Sport Pilot Talk

Noober · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 1 Location: New York

Hi,

Are sa pilots able to fly others to particular destination for the price of gas (without actually being in the business of transportation)? Is this done frequently? If so, how to pilots find riders & vice versa?

This would be a great way for sa pilots to increase their flight hours on someone elses dime.

Is this within FAA rules?

Noober

artp · Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 144 Location: Odenton, Md

Not the way you describe it. In fact a PPL or a commercial pilot could not do it.

The only way you can legally share expenses is if you are going someplace with someone else and you want to share expenses. However, the person you are flying with better be a friend or else it will start looking like a for hire operation. In any case you can only split (50/50 for a light sport plane) the cost of fuel, oil, and any tiedown fees at you destination.

rsteele · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 108

This is an issue that seems to be emphasized in the PPL training material I used prior to switching to sport, and it's hardly touched on in the sport pilot material. Issues like this are one reason anybody that is even thinking about flying lessons, let alone a student or pilot should have an AIM/FAR. This is the book the spells out in black and white most of the regulations you will need/do need to know. They are relatively cheap and can be picked up at Borders or Barnes and Noble, or ordered any number of places.

Unfortunately much of the LSA rules are in the form of advisory circulars - much harder to deal with. The AIM/FAR is actually pretty readable.

Ron

Jeff Tipton · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 74

61.315 What are the privileges and limits of my sport pilot certificate?

(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate you may act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft, except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) You may share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. You must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.

(c) You may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft:

(1) That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.

(2) For compensation or hire.

(3) In furtherance of a business.

(4) While carrying more than one passenger.

(5) At night.

(6) In Class A airspace.

(7) In Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have met the requirements specified in §61.325.

(8 ) Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate. Your sport pilot certificate carries the limit “Holder does not meet ICAO requirements.”

(9) To demonstrate the aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer if you are an aircraft salesperson.

(10) In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.

(11) At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL.

(12) When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.

(13) Without visual reference to the surface.

(14) If the aircraft has a VHthat exceeds 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of §61.327.

(15) Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.

(16) Contrary to any limit or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, or any other limit or endorsement from an authorized instructor.

(17) Contrary to any restriction or limitation on your U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using your driver's license to satisfy a requirement of this part.

(18 ) While towing any object.

(19) As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=dc36db0055c9d8b7563e9e9f1ced777c&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2.10.1.8&idno=14

scottj · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 2:03 pm Post subject: Sport Pilots and money

In short, all you can do for cash as a Sport Pilot is to share the gas with a friend AS LONG AS it is not being used in a business. Sport Pilots cannot do paid scenic flights, photo flights, or in conjunction with a business.

The one exemption, that I am aware of, is that a Sport Pilot Instructor can provide paid flight instruction in a Light Sport Aicraft.

Before you get creative and come up with a way to get around the regulations, ask yourself the question: How will I defend my actions at the accident review board, before the insurance company, the court, or the FAA when (not if) something goes wrong.

artp · Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 144 Location: Odenton, Md

scottj wrote: ... when (not if) something goes wrong.

Keep in mind something going wrong can include things like a ramp check, complaint from an FBO, complaint from a local charter service, even a complaint from a disgruntled passenger (the passenger didn't do anything wrong by paying you but you did something wrong by accepting the payment).

rab23us · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 21

Long and short for what everyone has posted to your question.....gas can be split 50/50 you can't give a flight and have some one pay for the gas themselves in return for you giving them a flight...(sounds like you would be for hire)