---
title: "What are the privileges and limitations of a private pilot acting as pilot in command? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/aviation/privileges-limitations-private-pilot-acting-pilot-command-answer-under-100-words
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# 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.

## 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 · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.113 · as of 2026-08-26