Passenger-carrying flights for compensation or hire

This regulation covers short sightseeing flights for hire that start and end at the same airport within a 25-mile radius. If you're operating such flights (in airplanes, powered-lifts, or rotorcraft) for compensation, you must obtain a Letter of Authorization from your local Flight Standards office—unless all your flights qualify under §91.146, which has different requirements.

To get this authorization, you'll need to:

• Comply with Part 136 safety provisions for air tour operators
• Establish FAA-registered drug and alcohol testing programs
• Meet Part 5 safety management requirements
• Submit an application with detailed operator information, including business details, responsible personnel, aircraft information, and drug/alcohol program registration

This regulation creates a middle ground between private operations and full commercial certification, allowing limited passenger-carrying operations with appropriate safety oversight. Once authorized, you must follow all conditions in your Letter of Authorization.

*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.*