What is the restriction for carrying passengers for compensation or hire according to FARs?

To carry passengers for compensation or hire, a pilot must hold a commercial pilot certificate. This certification demonstrates that the pilot has completed the necessary training and has met the specific experience and testing requirements mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The commercial pilot certificate is designed to ensure that pilots possess advanced flying skills and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, which are essential for safely operating an aircraft while carrying passengers in exchange for payment.

The requirement for a commercial pilot certificate reflects the need for a higher level of proficiency compared to a student pilot certificate, which only allows for flying under the supervision of an instructor and does not permit carrying passengers or compensation. While an airline transport pilot certificate and a medical certificate are important for different aspects of aviation, they are not specifically required for a pilot to operate flights carrying passengers for compensation or hire at the commercial pilot level. Thus, holding a commercial pilot certificate is the key requirement in this context.