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Commercial Operations Question

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:39 am
by MrMorden
I have a question about using an aircraft for commercial purposes.

Let's say one is an aircraft mechanic (LSRM, A&P, whatever), and also a Sport Pilot.

If this pilot flies to a location to do maintenance on somebody's aircraft, is that a commercial use or just personal transportation? You would not need a commercial driver's license to drive there, and you are really just using the aircraft for personal transport *to* the job site, not using the aircraft for hire or commercial purposes.

Opinions?

Re: Commercial Operations Question

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:50 am
by FastEddieB
Well, it would be "in the furtherance of a business", far broader than "for compensation or hire".

At first blush, I'd say its a no-go for a Sport Pilot.

But I'm sure it happens all the time, and no harm, no foul.

Re: Commercial Operations Question

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:59 am
by BrianL99
MrMorden wrote:I have a question about using an aircraft for commercial purposes.

Let's say one is an aircraft mechanic (LSRM, A&P, whatever), and also a Sport Pilot.

If this pilot flies to a location to do maintenance on somebody's aircraft, is that a commercial use or just personal transportation? You would not need a commercial driver's license to drive there, and you are really just using the aircraft for personal transport *to* the job site, not using the aircraft for hire or commercial purposes.

Opinions?
As FastEddie said, I think it's in "furtherance of a business" and would likely be a deductible expenses per IRS regs.

Your example points out how badly the SP regs were written. For example, a Licensed SP Repairman, even one who holds a PP but no medical, couldn't even take a flight to verify or diagnose a problem with an airplane. Seems foolish to me.

Re: Commercial Operations Question

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 9:51 am
by MrMorden
I agree with you guys, I forgot about the "furtherance of a business" language.

I'm considering the LSRM certification, and trying to feel out the limitations. I'm not allowed to do commercial maintenance in my hangar, and am unlikely to be renting a larger one that allows commercial ops any time soon, which would leave me with visiting others' aircraft where they sit...easy by plane, tedious by car.

Re: Commercial Operations Question

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:49 pm
by bottleworks
(I'm gone. Everything deleted! Can't stand the ignorant data spread here).

Re: Commercial Operations Question

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 10:16 pm
by SportPilot
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