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Seeking reference for Commercial Glider Privilege limitations

Asked by: 3395 views , , ,
Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations

FAR 119.1(e) states what a Commercial Pilot can do, without holding an air operator certificate, for airplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons. For instance, scenic flight, no stops, landing at point of departure, and staying within 25 miles of the departure airport.

What about gliders? Is there any reference to be found with distance or point-to-point limitations of a Commercial pilot flying for hire? The same might be said for Gyroplanes ... while Rotorcraft category, they're not Helicopter class.

Thanks.

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1 Answers



  1. mjc123 on Dec 18, 2022

    According to FAR 119.1(e), a commercial pilot may operate an aircraft for hire without holding an air operator certificate as long as the pilot complies with certain limitations. These limitations include operating the aircraft only for the purpose of carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, and not carrying more than six passengers. The pilot must also not exceed an altitude of 10,000 feet above mean sea level, and must stay within 25 miles of the departure airport unless the pilot has a special purpose pilot certificate or the aircraft is a glider or hot air balloon.

    As far as gliders are concerned, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not have specific regulations regarding the distance or point-to-point limitations for commercial pilots operating gliders for hire. However, the pilot would still need to comply with the general limitations set out in FAR 119.1(e) and any other applicable regulations.

    For gyroplanes, the FAA considers them to be a type of rotorcraft, and as such, they are subject to the regulations applicable to rotorcraft. The pilot would need to comply with these regulations, as well as any other applicable regulations, when operating a gyroplane for hire.

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