FAR 91.315 — Limited Category Aircraft

FAR 91.315 sets operating limitations for limited category civil aircraft — typically ex-military warbirds certificated in the limited category. The core idea: you generally cannot use these aircraft to carry persons or property for compensation or hire in most commercial-style operations.

Specifically, except as allowed in §91.326, no one may operate a limited category aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire in operations that:

• Require an air carrier or commercial operator certificate under Part 119;
• Are listed in §119.1(e) (the operations excluded from Part 119 certification, like sightseeing, banner towing, etc.);
• Require management specifications for a fractional ownership program under Subpart K of Part 91; or
• Are conducted under Part 129 (foreign air carriers), Part 133 (rotorcraft external-load), or Part 137 (agricultural operations).

Why it matters: warbirds and similar limited category aircraft were certificated to a less rigorous standard than standard-category aircraft, so the FAA limits their commercial use to protect the paying public.