Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Second in Command

Regulation Text

§ 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]

The short answer

14 CFR § 61.117 says that, except as provided in § 61.113, no private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as second in command (SIC) of an aircraft type certificated for more than one pilot, nor act as SIC of such an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire.

Research Notes

CFI Commentary

Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.

Common Questions

Can a private pilot fly as SIC in a two-pilot aircraft for pay?

No, not for compensation or hire, except as provided in § 61.113.

“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.” (14 CFR § 61.117)

Does this rule apply to single-pilot aircraft?

No. § 61.117 specifically addresses aircraft “type certificated for more than one pilot.” Its prohibition is limited to SIC duty in multi-pilot type-certificated aircraft for compensation or hire.

What is the exception in this rule?

The only carve-out is the cross-reference to § 61.113, which lists the limited circumstances under which a private pilot may receive compensation. The text opens with “Except as provided in § 61.113 of this part.”

Amendment History

2016-12-30

AOA Notes

These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.

Gotcha: Right Seat in a Multi-Crew Aircraft — Instruction Only

Section 61.117 sometimes surprises private pilots who assume that since they're certificated, they can sit in any seat. If an aircraft requires two pilots by type certificate, a private pilot cannot be the SIC in normal operations — they don't hold the qualifications. The exception is clear: you can be in the right seat to receive instruction. If someone asks you to 'help out' as right-seat crew in a multi-crew aircraft without an instruction context, that's a privilege you don't hold as a private pilot.

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AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.