Commercial flight time?

[Speed Turd]

I currently work at a 121 operator, and want to get someone else's opinion. I'm about to join a glider club and instruct a little bit " for fun" also there's no charge for instruction either. Would this be put in the same category as commercial flight time?

 

[rickair7777]

I currently work at a 121 operator, and want to get someone else's opinion. I'm about to join a glider club and instruct a little bit " for fun" also there's no charge for instruction either. Would this be put in the same category as commercial flight time?

Technically, yes that is commercial flying. Most people (and employers) in the industry seperate commercial and instructor flying into different categories, not bad or good, just different.

Glider instructor time counts as commercial time, instructor time, and as total time. HOWEVER...gliders are not airplanes (different FAA categories), so glider time DOES NOT count as "airplane time" which is the only thing 90% of airline employers consider. It will be a good conversation starter and a good testament to your stick-and-rudder skills, but if you're airline bound don't let the glider stuff get in the way of fixed-wing airplane time (maybe you could tow?).

 

[Grassstrippilot]

I think the question he is asking is whether or not it would be commercial time and thus affect 30/7, 100 in a month, etc. It is a good question. My take on it is that if you aren't being paid for it, then it's not commercail flying and doesn't count against your totals.

If this isn't the case, would someone with more time on their hands find the reference?

 

[F9 Buff]

If you sign a logbook as giving someone dual given in that glider then yes that would count as a commercial operation.

Now if you are just some guy that goes flying and shows people how to fly, or uh, glide I guess, then that should not count as being a commercial flight as long as you don't sign their logbook.

It all depends how you log it, not how you charge.

 

[Coastin]

If it requires a commercial license it is commercial flying. Instructing counts against flight time limits.

 

[BobbyBiplane]

Although it is not directly on point, FAA Legal Interpretation 1981-29 addresses the FAA view of "compensation." Quoting paragraph three of the letter; "Compensation, as used in the FAR, involves not only monetary payments, but also the transfer of other items of value, such as the logging of flight time."

I would not go down the path of assuming "free" instruction as being free from the need to consider it.

Bob

 

[siucavflight]

Does not count, at least a AE, I fly a citation VII part 91 on my days off(no pay ) and there is no problem with it. My cousin has a C-182, and I am instructing him to help him get his IRA, again they have no problem with it. As long as I am not being paid it does not come off of my 1000 a year.

 

[siucavflight]

If it requires a commercial license it is commercial flying. Instructing counts against flight time limits.

Instructing is operating off of your privilages as a CFI not a commercial pilot, this is also why you do not need a current second class medical to be a CFI.

 

[BLing]

Instructing is operating off of your privilages as a CFI not a commercial pilot, this is also why you do not need a current second class medical to be a CFI.

However, your CFI certificate specifically states "Valid Only When Accompanied By Pilot Certificate No. #######" which refers to your commercial certificate.

I am of the thought that as long as you are not being compensated, it is not commercial flying. I guess its up to your airline as to if you can instruct "for free" or not. I would like to see hard facts on this one because many of us may be wrong on this subject.

 

[COOPERVANE]

I had this dilemma also. What made my decision was what happens when my student skids off a runway when I solo him and I get my certificate suspended? Even temporarily?

I hate to think I would risk my job for a part time gig, especially if I wasn't getting paid.

 

[siucavflight]

I had this dilemma also. What made my decision was what happens when my student skids off a runway when I solo him and I get my certificate suspended? Even temporarily?

I hate to think I would risk my job for a part time gig, especially if I wasn't getting paid.

In that case you would lose your CFI and your COMM is not at risk.

Whatever you do ask the chief pilot first, if he says OK, and it is documented I do not think that you have anything to worry about.

And it is only commercial time when you are being compensated.

 

[AC560]

I am of the thought that as long as you are not being compensated, it is not commercial flying. I guess its up to your airline as to if you can instruct "for free" or not. I would like to see hard facts on this one because many of us may be wrong on this subject.

"The FAA has determined that the compensation a certificated flight instructor receives for flight instruction is not compensation for piloting the aircraft but is rather compensation for the instruction. A certificated flight instructor who is acting as pilot in command or as a required flight crewmember and receiving compensation for his or her flight instruction is exercising only the privileges of a private pilot. A certificated flight instructor who is acting as pilot in command or as a required flight crewmember and receiving compensation for his or her flight instruction is not carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, nor is he or she, for compensation or hire, acting as pilot in command of an aircraft. Therefore, since a certificated flight instructor who is acting as pilot in command or as a required flight crewmember and receiving compensation for his or her flight instruction is exercising the privileges of a private pilot, he or she only needs to hold a third class medical certificate"

Source

I don't think it is a commercial activity but if the guy crashes you are at the very least taking a check ride with the FSDO.

 

[DrProc]

Does not count, at least a AE, I fly a citation VII part 91 on my days off(no pay ) and there is no problem with it. My cousin has a C-182, and I am instructing him to help him get his IRA, again they have no problem with it. As long as I am not being paid it does not come off of my 1000 a year.

You are flying a C650 and not getting paid for it?

 

[siucavflight]

You are flying a C650 and not getting paid for it?

Notice the wink, I am not getting paid for it, but my father is. He gets $550 per day.

 

[Coastin]

This is how it explained to DPE's.

F. Other Commercial Flying. [FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]If an examiner administers a practical test from a jumpseat or cabin station of an aircraft requiring a flightcrew of two or more, or from a pilot seat of an aircraft requiring a flightcrew of only one pilot, flight time accrued as an examiner is not deemed to be other commercial flying with respect to the flight and duty time limitations stated in 14 CFR parts 121, 125, and 135. However, if an examiner serves as a required crewmember during a practical test on an aircraft requiring a flightcrew of two or more, that flight time is deemed to be other commercial flying.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]I still say if it requires a commercial license its commercial flight time. I wish it wasn't though, I could double my income. Good Luck.
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