Regulatory Question...
 

I was wondering if anyone out there can help me out with this question that kind of relates to thie "cargo" forum.

I work for this flight school who has a deal in the works with an aircraft parts company. The deal is that this parts company will rent our twin-engine aircraft and we will have our flight instructors fly the aircraft in order to transport their parts from one place to another. The instructors will not be paid for this at all, they're just doing it for the flight time. The only money being exchanged is from the parts company renting out our aircraft to transport their goods (free pilot included).

So the question is...does anyone see any regulatory problems with this? Is this kind of operation legit for a regular part 91 operation? Is there a place in the regs that covers this?

Thanks!

I would have to say this is illegal. Contact a FSDO for clarification.

It is illegal. The insurance companies will have the biggest problem with it. If I were a pilot I would jump at the chance. Remember, it is always easier to get forgiveness than permission. The owners of the aircraft are the ones out on a limb.

I can't tell you the exact regulations mostly because I don't want to look it up and really don't care. But, it does not pass the smell test and that is what matters. Remember, it does not matter what the law says, it matters what the interpreter thinks.

that should be illegal!

The Faa would have a big problem with it.

If compensation is exchanged in hiring an aircraft for services. Then the operator (Small Aircraft) needs to be part 135...I think your employer is trying to create a "Gray Area" by not paying the pilots...In your employers mind this is how 91 and 135 differ...He/She/They are wrong. And yes the insurance company would really like to know too!

I seem to remember something about the hours logged would be considered the pilot's compensation, even if they are unpaid.

Part 91 and 3/4

are you gettin any of that twin time; if not, call the FSDO :D :o :D

thanks...i was thinking the same exact thing...and was not going to do this myself (because its too shady)...but i told someone i'd ask others so he'd have an easier time believing me I guess...thanks again

That is an aircraft operation for compensation or hire. It does not matter if the pilots are being compensated . The aircraft owner/operator is being compensated. That is a CFR 14 FAR 135 infringment.
Each infringment(operation) can be fined for every recorded flight hour. These fines can be as much as $10,000.00 per flight hour that was compensated.

Call the FAA 24-Hour Safety Hotline at (800) 255-1111 and put your tax dollars to work.

Later