Limited category civil aircraft: Operating limitations

This regulation restricts how limited category aircraft can be used for commercial operations. Limited category aircraft are typically former military aircraft or other special-purpose aircraft that don't meet standard airworthiness requirements.

You cannot operate a limited category aircraft for compensation or hire in operations that would normally require:

• An air carrier or commercial operator certificate (Part 119)
• Operations specifically listed in § 119.1(e), such as scheduled passenger service or common carriage
• Fractional ownership program management specifications
• Foreign air carrier operations (Part 129), external load operations (Part 133), or agricultural aircraft operations (Part 137)

However, § 91.326 provides an exception allowing certain commercial operations like firefighting, forest and wildlife conservation, and external load work. This means limited category aircraft have a narrow commercial use window—they're generally restricted to specialized operations rather than typical charter or airline work.

*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.*