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US Federal

What are the privileges and limitations of a private pilot acting as pilot in command? Answer in under 100 words.

For current 14 CFR 61.113, a private pilot acting as pilot in command cannot carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. Limited exceptions permit incidental business flights without compensation carriage, pro-rata expense sharing, charitable event flights under § 91.146, and certain production flight tests in light-sport aircraft. A private pilot holding a valid U.S. driver's license may operate without a medical certificate under conditions specified in § 61.113(i), provided the aircraft does not exceed 6 passengers and specific operational limits on altitude, airspeed, and airspace are met.

Last verified: 2026-08-26 · Sources checked: 1/1 resolving · Next scheduled review: 2026-11-24

Details / How it works

Under § 61.113, a private pilot may act as pilot in command but is prohibited from doing so for compensation or hire when carrying passengers or property. However, a private pilot may be compensated if the flight is incidental to business or employment and does not carry passengers or property for hire. Passengers may share pro rata operating expenses limited to fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees. Specific exceptions apply to charitable flights (§ 91.146), search and location operations, aircraft demonstrations by salesmen with 200+ logged hours, glider towing (§ 61.69), and production flight tests for light-sport aircraft (§ 21.190).

Exceptions & edge cases

A private pilot without a medical certificate may act as PIC if they hold a valid U.S. driver's license, meet § 61.23(c)(3) requirements, and comply with § 61.113(i). The aircraft must carry no more than 6 passengers, have a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds, and flight altitude must not exceed 18,000 feet MSL with indicated airspeed not exceeding 250 knots. Operations are restricted to within the United States unless authorized by the foreign country.

Sources

[1]U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR 61.113 — Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command · as of 2026-08-26

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