Sightseeing with a CPL?

Question

Can you operate sightseeing flights (dep. and dest. same) with a commercial license? ( I would rent the plane in my name and hold out to the public) I do know that it is a violation to go from point to point. Also, what FAR would this be under? Thanks

Answer 1

Yes.  Read Part 91.

FAR 91.147  "Passenger carrying flights for compensation or hire."

Answer 2

I beg to differ with almost everyone who has already answered, but sightseeing flights within 25 miles from the airport from which you take off and land can be conducted solely under Part 91 of the regulations if you hold a commercial pilots license. You can also rent or lease an aircraft for such operations, but the owner of that aircraft must be aware of and approve of such operations, the plane must be insured for such operations (with you as named insured pilot), and maintenance must be performed in accordance with the requirements for commercial flight operations. You should also consult with the local FAA office (FSDO, GADO, etc) before undertaking any such flights. They Fed's take a very dim view of people conducting commercial flight operations under their noses without being consulted first.

Answer 3

I can tell you from personal experience what you wanting to do is illegal by renting and airplane then charging other for sightseeing.  To take people for hire as you explained will require a single airplane no manual part 135 certificate.  This is explained in FAR 135 I have provide the applicability for you below.

Keep in mind there are a lot of people in aviation that do not like the FAA or FSDO Inspectors for one reason or another.  However the FSDO Inspector are you best friends in matters like this in keeping you out of trouble.

The local FSDO can provide you with the guidance material to start a part 135 operation and what is required.  You can also go to http://fsims.faa.gov/ this is an FAA web site and has Order 8900.1 the same manual the FAA inspectors follow to certify everything including part 135 operators.  

On the FAA web site at: http://www.faa.gov you can use the search engine to find additional information and the local FSDO in your area.

When in you really need to know the straight scoop about aviation contact the local FSDO and don't rely on chat rooms to find answers as some people will intentional misslead you.

§ 135.1 Applicability.

(a) This part prescribes rules governing—

(1) The commuter or on-demand operations of each person who holds or is required to hold an Air Carrier Certificate or Operating Certificate under part 119 of this chapter.

(2) Each person employed or used by a certificate holder conducting operations under this part including the maintenance, preventative maintenance and alteration of an aircraft.

(3) The transportation of mail by aircraft conducted under a postal service contract awarded under 39 U.S.C. 5402c.

(4) Each person who applies for provisional approval of an Advanced Qualification Program curriculum, curriculum segment, or portion of a curriculum segment under subpart Y of part 121 of this chapter of 14 CFR part 121 and each person employed or used by an air carrier or commercial operator under this part to perform training, qualification, or evaluation functions under an Advanced Qualification Program under subpart Y of part 121 of this chapter of 14 CFR part 121.

(5) Nonstop Commercial Air Tour flights conducted for compensation or hire in accordance with §119.1(e)(2) of this chapter that begin and end at the same airport and are conducted within a 25-statute-mile radius of that airport; provided further that these operations must comply only with the drug and alcohol testing requirements in §§135.249, 135.251, 135.253, 135.255, and 135.353; and with the provisions of part 136, subpart A, and §91.147 of this chapter by September 11, 2007.

(6) Each person who is on board an aircraft being operated under this part.

(7) Each person who is an applicant for an Air Carrier Certificate or an Operating Certificate under 119 of this chapter, when conducting proving tests.

(8) Commercial Air tours conducted by holders of operations specifications issued under this part must comply with the provisions of part 136, Subpart A of this chapter by September 11, 2007.

Answer 4

cherokee you sure can hold out to the public for sightseeing flights within 25 miles. many glider operations giving rides that have no 135 cert not to mention such things as biplane and warbird rides. many helicopters as well.

and warbird pilot the fsdo interpretation matters squat. in fact the are not allowed to interpret the fars. the rules and regulations interpretation board in oaklahoma city is the only entity authorized to interpret the fars other than an administrative law judge. seems you let a local inspector bamboozle you huh? they never got away with that with me.

Answer 5

Absolutely yes, you can, but only if the flights are within 25 miles of base and don't land anywhere else. I have many hours of sight-seeing flights in my hour-building past! (Now over 5,000 total).

However you mention renting the aircraft - now you need to check with the company you're renting from to see if they will cover you for commercial operations....probably not! You will be stepping on their toes by operating commercially using their aircraft and also not be on their insurance for commercial operations!

Answer 6

Renting is something different here.  If you own it, you can do this.  There are several differences between this and 135.  Suggest talking to AOPA Legal Services and then the local FSDO (since their interpretation is what matters anyway).  You will need a drug test and some paperwork, checkrides, etc.

Answer 7

read part 135, and 136. as a Commercial rated pilot  and operating under part 91 you cannot "hold out " to the public.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...