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Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations

The holder of a commercial pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire, provided the person is qualified in accordance with this part and with the applicable parts of this chapter that apply to the operation.

  • A commercial pilot is free to work for a commercial operator, who is certificated for the operations they perform.
  • They may also act as an operator themselves, but the services their offer may require a operating certificate.

Limitations:

  • Without an instrument rating, a commercial pilot may not carry passengers:
    • At night
    • On cross-country flights in excess of 50nm
  • Cannot carry passengers for hire in formation flight. - 91.111
  • Cannot carry passengers for hire in a restricted, limited, or experimental aircraft. (91.313, 91.315, 91.317, 91.319)
61.133

References