Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command

In plain English

A private pilot flies for personal, non-commercial reasons and generally may not be paid to fly. You may share the operating expenses of a flight with your passengers, but only your pro-rata share, and the flight must have a common purpose. There are narrow exceptions (e.g. charity flights, aircraft demonstrations, search and rescue).

Key points

• No acting as PIC for compensation or hire.
• May share operating expenses (fuel, oil, airport/rental fees) pro rata — your share cannot be less than equal.
• Limited exceptions exist (charity, business travel incidental to your job, glider towing, etc.).

Common pitfalls

• "Holding out" to fly people for money — that's a commercial operation.
• Paying less than your equal share of a shared flight.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*