FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsMedium
A sport pilot who owns an aerial photography business wants to act as pilot in command of their light-sport airplane to fly paying customers on photo shoot flights, using the flights to generate income for the business. Is this operation permitted under 14 CFR 61.315?
- AYes, provided the flights remain within Class G airspace
- BYes, as long as each flight is under 25 nautical miles
- CNo, a sport pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft in furtherance of a business
- DYes, as long as the customers pay a pro rata share of operating expenses
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. No, a sport pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft in furtherance of a business
Under 61.315(c)(1), a sport pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft in furtherance of a business. This is a separate, broader restriction than the pro rata expense-sharing rule and applies regardless of airspace or distance flown.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Airspace class is irrelevant to this business-use restriction.
- B. Flight distance does not exempt the pilot from the business-use prohibition.
- D. Pro rata sharing is a distinct rule for private pilots and does not permit business use by sport pilots.
Sport Pilot Business-Use Prohibition
14 CFR 61.315(c)(1) prohibits a sport pilot from acting as PIC of an aircraft in furtherance of a business.
- Separate from the pro rata expense-sharing rule
- Applies regardless of airspace, distance, or compensation method
- One of several fixed operating limitations in 61.315
Memory trick: 'Sport pilots fly for fun, not for company funds.'