Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations
What the certificate allows, and how cost sharing really works.
11 min read · Regulations: FAR and AIM
After this lesson you can
- State the general prohibition of 61.113(a) and its main exceptions.
- Compute a passenger’s pro rata share of an eligible expense.
- Explain the "common purpose" test the FAA applies to a shared flight.
- List the certificate limitations that require a separate endorsement under 61.31.
61.113 fits on one page and draws the line between recreational flying and air transportation. Its basic rule is simple: a private pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation, and may not be compensated for flying.
The exceptions that follow are narrowly listed. They are commonly misunderstood, and cost sharing in particular has produced a substantial body of FAA interpretation.
The rest of this lesson
- 1.The rule and its exceptions
- 2.What tips a flight into air transportation
- 3.Other limitations on the certificate
- 4.Worked cases
- 5.The narrower exceptions: (d), (e), and (f)
These 5 sections, their figures, the checks along the way and the end-of-lesson quiz come with the PPL track. Paid once, yours for good.
Key terms
Try to recall each definition before turning the card.