14 CFR Part 91 · Subpart B · Flight Rules
14 CFR 91.147: Sightseeing flights for compensation (LOA)
An operator selling nonstop passenger flights that start and end at the same airport, within 25 statute miles, needs a Letter of Authorization from the FAA. It must also follow the Part 136 safety rules, run a registered drug and alcohol testing program, and meet Part 5's safety management requirements.
Section last amended May 28, 2024 · Text current as of October 15, 2026 · Also cited as FAR 91.147 · Read it on eCFR
14 CFR 91.147 in plain English
- Covers nonstop passenger flights for compensation or hire in an airplane, powered-lift or rotorcraft that begin and end at the same airport within 25 statute miles. (a)
- Comply with the Part 136 subpart A safety provisions. (b)(1)
- Register and run a drug and alcohol testing program under Part 120. (b)(2)
- Meet the applicable Part 5 safety management system requirements. (b)(3)
- Get a Letter of Authorization from the responsible Flight Standards office. (b)(4)
- The application lists the business, its managers, its maintenance lead, each aircraft and the drug program registration. (c)
Common questions
- Does a flight school need an LOA for discovery flights?
- If the school sells nonstop sightseeing or introductory flights that carry passengers for compensation within 25 statute miles, this section is how it does so outside Part 135, and many schools hold an LOA for discovery flights. Check with your FSDO about how your flights are structured.
- What about charity flights?
- Paragraph (b) exempts operators whose flights are all conducted under 91.146, the charitable and community event rule.
Official text of 14 CFR 91.147
§ 91.147 Passenger-carrying flights for compensation or hire. Verbatim from the eCFR, current as of October 15, 2026.
(a)Definitions. For the purposes of this section, Operator means any person conducting nonstop passenger-carrying flights in an airplane, powered-lift, or rotorcraft for compensation or hire in accordance with §§ 119.1(e)(2), 135.1(a)(5), or 121.1(d) of this chapter that begin and end at the same airport and are conducted within a 25-statute mile radius of that airport.
(b)General requirements. An Operator conducting passenger-carrying flights for compensation or hire must meet the following requirements unless all flights are conducted under § 91.146. The Operator must:
(1)Comply with the safety provisions of part 136, subpart A of this chapter.
(2)Register and implement its drug and alcohol testing programs in accordance with part 120 of this chapter.
(3)Comply with the applicable requirements of part 5 of this chapter.
(4)Apply for and receive a Letter of Authorization from the responsible Flight Standards office.
(c)Letter of Authorization. Each application for a Letter of Authorization must include the following information:
(1)Name of Operator, agent, and any d/b/a (doing-business-as) under which that Operator does business.
(2)Principal business address and mailing address.
(3)Principal place of business (if different from business address).
(4)Name of person responsible for management of the business.
(5)Name of person responsible for aircraft maintenance.
(6)Type of aircraft, registration number(s), and make/model/series.
(7)Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program registration.
(d)Compliance. The Operator must comply with the provisions of the Letter of Authorization received.