looking for some extra cash.

you're working for them and receiving free flight.

not flying for money...

I don't see the problem

I would do further research. I believe there is a LOI stating that free flight time IS considered by the FAA to be compensation.
 
I would do further research. I believe there is a LOI stating that free flight time IS considered by the FAA to be compensation.
that's true. prorate share and whatnot.

but they could just as easily "tip you" for the wash and you pay for ride.
 
that's true. prorate share and whatnot.

but they could just as easily "tip you" for the wash and you pay for ride.

That's true and you probably wouldn't get caught, BUT, still doesn't negate the fact that it is illegal in the eyes of the FAA.
 
I thought the compensation thing only applied for actually flying the aircraft for compensation. It seems that the FAA doesnt have much authority with whats being done on the ground when it comes to how an employer pays someone......does it? It probably does but I am ill advised.
 
Don't feel bad, we've all been there. I've been a line guy, now an A&P and CFI and I still wash planes for flight time.

Good luck. Line service, washing, and loitering are your best options.
 
I thought the compensation thing only applied for actually flying the aircraft for compensation. It seems that the FAA doesnt have much authority with whats being done on the ground when it comes to how an employer pays someone......does it? It probably does but I am ill advised.

I believe there was an entire thread on this inside CFI Corner. I'll see if I can find it.
 
Don't feel bad, we've all been there. I've been a line guy, now an A&P and CFI and I still wash planes for flight time.

Good luck. Line service, washing, and loitering are your best options.

That's legal because of the Commercial Certificate.
 
61.113 - Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

(c) A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.

Read more: http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/61-113-pilot-privileges-command-19563316#ixzz0jcUYLe8g

The second paragraph says to me that washing planes for flight time or flying the plane for free is not an issue. That is how I interpret it.
​
 
I may wrong on this but am still looking into it. However, I don't see free flight time as only being "incidental to that business". I'll post more when I find what I'm looking for.

61.113 - Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

(c) A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.

Read more: http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/61-113-pilot-privileges-command-19563316#ixzz0jcUYLe8g

The second paragraph says to me that washing planes for flight time or flying the plane for free is not an issue. That is how I interpret it.
​
 
But I wouldn't be acting as pilot in command. I wouldn't be flying anything. Now if they would call it "Washer in Command," then that would be a different story. I will search for that thread.
 
Thanks to tgrayson, I found what I was looking for.

Look Here and http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/.../1997/Grau.rtf to make your own conclusion.

"[FONT=&quot]Additionally, the FAA has previously determined that the receipt of flight time to build flying hours is considered compensatory in nature and would require that the recipient hold a commercial pilot certificate."[/FONT]
 
he's not receiving free flight time. He is receiving compensation for washing airplanes, they just do not hand him a check/cash. They keep it, since he will just turn around and give it back to them anyway! he is paying to fly!
 
he's not receiving free flight time. He is receiving compensation for washing airplanes, they just do not hand him a check/cash. They keep it, since he will just turn around and give it back to them anyway! he is paying to fly!

Makes sense.
 
The problem comes when the pilot receives free flight time in compensation for being a pilot and doing pilot stuff.

When it comes to receiving flight time in compensation for washing aircraft the only federal agency that might have an interest in the arrangement is the IRS, not the FAA. :D
 
So I am able to wash planes for flight credit. I have washed two planes so far for two hours. Its very rewarding to see my work pay off with clean planes and also to see that if one works hard, they make their own opportunities.
 
So I am able to wash planes for flight credit. I have washed two planes so far for two hours. Its very rewarding to see my work pay off with clean planes and also to see that if one works hard, they make their own opportunities.

Nice!

I can tell you are already learning a lesson that is much more important than a few hours of free flight time when I hear you say "...and also to see that if one works hard, they make their own opportunities." Following up on that thought, make sure that you put as much pride as you possibly can in washing those planes. Go overboard and make them sparkle, and pay very close attention to everything that you touch and do. If you see something that doesn't look exactly right, talk to someone about it. Don't just do the bare minimum on cleaning those aircraft, find something extra to do on every single plane you work on.

Why? Because the people in charge will notice your attention to detail, your enthusiasm, and your maturity, and it will pay off large dividends down the road. A few years from now, when you are one of a dozen people that they are considering hiring as a CFI, they'll remember the way you worked the very first job that you did for them. Or when you need a reference for a job with a corporate operator you will get high praise and a glowing review.

Networking for your career starts NOW. It's simple and it's easy and it pays off huge in the future. Work hard, be conscientious, and be courteous and you'll do great!
 
Nice!

I can tell you are already learning a lesson that is much more important than a few hours of free flight time when I hear you say "...and also to see that if one works hard, they make their own opportunities." Following up on that thought, make sure that you put as much pride as you possibly can in washing those planes. Go overboard and make them sparkle, and pay very close attention to everything that you touch and do. If you see something that doesn't look exactly right, talk to someone about it. Don't just do the bare minimum on cleaning those aircraft, find something extra to do on every single plane you work on.

Why? Because the people in charge will notice your attention to detail, your enthusiasm, and your maturity, and it will pay off large dividends down the road. A few years from now, when you are one of a dozen people that they are considering hiring as a CFI, they'll remember the way you worked the very first job that you did for them. Or when you need a reference for a job with a corporate operator you will get high praise and a glowing review.

Networking for your career starts NOW. It's simple and it's easy and it pays off huge in the future. Work hard, be conscientious, and be courteous and you'll do great!


Thank your for the kind words! I agree with everything you have said. I hope someone sees this thread and your response so they can be motivated to do the same thing. I have learned that little things go a long way and sometimes a very very long way.
 
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