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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 61.133

Commercial pilot privileges and limitations

Read the official rule

In plain English

A commercial pilot may be paid to fly and may carry persons or property for compensation — but for many revenue operations the *operation itself* must be conducted under an air-carrier or operating certificate (Part 119/135/121). A commercial certificate without an instrument rating carries limits on carrying passengers for hire on long or night cross-countries.

Key points

  • Commercial = you may be compensated to fly.
  • Most carrying of persons/property for hire still needs an operating certificate (135/121).
  • No instrument rating: limited from for-hire passenger XC >50 NM or at night.

Common pitfalls

  • Thinking a commercial certificate alone lets you run a charter — it doesn’t.

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

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 8, 2026.