Private Pilot SIC Limitations

FAR 61.117 — Private Pilot SIC Limitations

FAR 61.117 explains when a private pilot may act as second in command of multi-pilot aircraft and the compensation limits that apply. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

FAR 61.117 restricts when a private pilot can serve as second in command (SIC) of an aircraft that requires more than one pilot.

The rule has two prohibitions (except as allowed by the limited compensation exceptions in § 61.113):

A private pilot may not act as SIC for compensation or hire in an aircraft type certificated for more than one pilot.
A private pilot may not act as SIC of such an aircraft when it is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, even if the pilot themselves is not paid.

Why it matters operationally: Private pilots flying right seat in two-pilot aircraft (like many turbojets or large turboprops) need to understand that SIC duties are essentially a commercial activity. To be paid as SIC — or to fly SIC on a paying passenger/cargo trip — you generally need a commercial pilot certificate. The narrow exceptions in § 61.113 (such as pro rata expense sharing or incidental-to-business flying) are the only relief from this rule.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 61.117

§ 61.117 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Second in command of aircraft requiring more than one pilot. Except as provided in § 61.113 of this part, no private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as second in command of an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one pilot, nor may that pilot act as second in command of such an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire. [Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40904, July 30, 1997]

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1As a private pilot, can you be hired to fly second in command in a jet that requires two pilots?

No. Under FAR 61.117, a private pilot may not act as SIC for compensation or hire in an aircraft type certificated for more than one pilot, except as allowed by the limited exceptions in § 61.113.

Q2If you fly SIC for free in a two-pilot aircraft, but the operator is being paid to carry passengers, is that legal for a private pilot?

No. FAR 61.117 prohibits a private pilot from acting as SIC of a multi-pilot aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, even if the pilot is not personally being paid.

Q3What regulation provides the exceptions to the private pilot SIC compensation prohibition, and where would you find them?

FAR 61.117 references the exceptions in § 61.113, which lists the limited circumstances — like pro rata expense sharing or flights incidental to business — under which a private pilot may receive some compensation.

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§61.113 Privileges & Limits

Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits

§61.57 Recent Flight Experience

90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules

§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations

Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility

§61.51 Pilot Logbooks

Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates

§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration