FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsMedium
A commercial pilot wants to conduct nonstop sightseeing flights for compensation that begin and end at the same airport and remain within a 20 statute mile radius of that airport. Under Part 119, what certification is required for this operation?
- AThe operator must hold an Air Taxi Operating Certificate under Part 135
- BA Letter of Authorization from the FAA Administrator is required in place of a certificate
- CThe pilot must hold an Air Carrier Certificate under Part 121
- DNo Part 119 operating certificate is required; the flight may be conducted under Part 91
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. No Part 119 operating certificate is required; the flight may be conducted under Part 91
14 CFR 119.1(e)(2) excludes nonstop sightseeing flights conducted for compensation that begin and end at the same airport and remain within a 25-statute-mile radius from the certification requirements of Part 119, allowing such operations to be conducted under Part 91. Since this flight stays within 20 statute miles, it qualifies for the exception.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Part 135 certification is not required because this operation falls under the specific Part 119 exception.
- B. No letter of authorization substitute exists for this exception; it's a straightforward regulatory exclusion.
- C. Part 121 applies to large scheduled air carrier operations, not small sightseeing flights.
Part 119 Sightseeing Exception
14 CFR 119.1(e)(2) exempts nonstop sightseeing flights for compensation, beginning/ending at the same airport within 25 statute miles, from Part 119 certificate requirements.
- Flight must be nonstop and return to the same airport.
- Must remain within a 25-statute-mile radius of the departure airport.
- Other Part 119.1(e) exceptions include flight instruction, ferry flights, and certain government flights.
Memory trick: "Twenty-five miles, round and round, no Part 119 certificate found."