Offering air experience flights as a commercial pilot

[J777Fly]

Can a commercial pilot offer air experience flights to the non flying public if he/she does not have an instructor rating?

*Not a training flight leading to flight time that is logged. More like a 30 minute taster of handling the controls, or aerobatic experience, as would be given as a birthday present to someone curious about flying*

Or would you need an air operators certificate for this?

 

[dasleben]

Can a commercial pilot offer air experience flights to the non flying public if he/she does not have an instructor rating?

*Not a training flight leading to flight time that is logged. More like a 30 minute taster of handling the controls, or aerobatic experience, as would be given as a birthday present to someone curious about flying*

Or would you need an air operators certificate for this?

As long as the other person is paying a pro-rata share (or pays you to fly an aircraft they provide), I don't see an issue with it.

Actually...to be honest, reading "public" in your post, I'm not so sure that's possible without holding out. Taking friends flying, sure, but the public? Ehhh...

 

[minitour]

Within 25 miles?

-mini

 

[cmill]

as long as its within a 25nm radius, Im pretty sure you could even charge for it.

 

[subpilot]

as long as its within a 25nm radius, Im pretty sure you could even charge for it.

Edit: 25sm, converted that is 22nm.

 

[Fly_Unity]

even if it is within 25 SM within the airport you will still need a letter of Authorization.

I know of an FBO doing Senic Tours within 25 SM and got busted because they didnt have a LOA

http://www.aerotech.net/stuffforCFI/commercial_pilot_decision_tree2.pdf

 

[minitour]

even if it is within 25 SM within the airport you will still need a letter of Authorization.

Yes. But not an "air operators certificate" the OP was asking about. You'd need an air carrier certificate to leave the 25 mile ring.

-mini

 

[cmill]

Edit: 25sm, converted that is 22nm.

gaaah. goes to show the last time i read the regs.


BUT, you could always get your CFI, take them on a cross country, and give them a "complimentary flight lesson/logbook"

 

[minitour]

gaaah. goes to show the last time i read the regs.


BUT, you could always get your CFI, take them on a cross country, and give them a "complimentary flight lesson/logbook"

Or give them a free flight and charge only for the instruction time.

...depending on how you want to run things. :beer:

-mini

 

[matt152]

Your LOA will require that you have an Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program. 91.147(c)

It's easier to just make it an intro flight. If you're a CFI.

 

[Goldmember]

Bingo, gotta be in a drug program to give rides and sightseeing flights, and have a second class medical, not 3rd as required for CFI.

 

[mshunter]

even if it is within 25 SM within the airport you will still need a letter of Authorization.

I know of an FBO doing Senic Tours within 25 SM and got busted because they didnt have a LOA

http://www.aerotech.net/stuffforCFI/commercial_pilot_decision_tree2.pdf

So scenic flights in a 172 are not legal? You need a LOA?

 

[matt152]

So scenic flights in a 172 are not legal? You need a LOA?

They are legal with the appropriate requirements met. But yeah, there are some hoops to jump through to make it legal.

 

[mxflyer]

Can a commercial pilot offer air experience flights to the non flying public if he/she does not have an instructor rating?

*Not a training flight leading to flight time that is logged. More like a 30 minute taster of handling the controls, or aerobatic experience, as would be given as a birthday present to someone curious about flying*

Or would you need an air operators certificate for this?

Where do you fly? You have UK as your location. I'm not sure how that effects the answers given here.

 

[bLizZuE]

Bingo, gotta be in a drug program to give rides and sightseeing flights, and have a second class medical, not 3rd as required for CFI.

I'm confused on this.

 

[TXaviator]

i should HOPE that a drug and alcohol compliance program isn't a substantial barrier to entry for anyone. :dunno:

 

[Hubbs]

Photo flights are not limited to the 25 mile ring

 

[Okie_Pilot]

This is just one more thread that I've learned something I had no idea about. Sheesh, you would think with just a Commerical Pilot's License and the right insurance, you should be able to give scenic/introductory flights without having to do a bunch of other B.S.

 

[SIUav8er]

This is just one more thread that I've learned something I had no idea about. Sheesh, you would think with just a Commerical Pilot's License and the right insurance, you should be able to give scenic/introductory flights without having to do a bunch of other B.S.

well, if youre a CFI then you can do intro flights without any LOA's, Air carrier certificate, drug program etc.

The difference between scenic and introductory flights is a somewhat thin line. I instruct for a flying club that offers "introductory flights". Most people are really there for a scenic joyride, but I "make" them sit up front in the left seat and grab the controls a couple times as well as keep the flight within 22SM just to be on the safe side. We give them a little souvenir log book too.

 

[PK]

In the UK I don't think there is such a thing as Air Experience Flights like you can do in the US.

You are either providing an Air Service, or Providing a Lesson.

For the first the CAA will want to take lots of money off of you, ohh and the second the CAA will want to take lots of money off of you as well.

If you want to provide AEF style flying apply to the Air Cadets Gliding Schools they provide it under the auspices of the Royal Air Force and they can do what they like.