Rykymus
Line Up and Wait
My brother owns a software company that is growing. He travels at least twice per month for sales and meetings with clients, mostly western half of US.
I have PPL/IR, with about 600hrs PIC. I'd like to get a larger plane, preferably a pressurized twin, but have trouble justifying the cost of operation, since currently the majority of our flights are up and down the west coast, and only a few hours in length.
My brother is suggesting that we form an LLC and buy the aircraft, sharing the cost of ownership and operation between his business and my own. Although 90% of my flights would be pleasure, 90% of his would be business. The kicker is, he does not have, nor does he desire to get, a pilot's license. He wants me to do the flying. (Which I would love.) I would not get compensated, however the fuel expenses for his trips would be paid by himself. (Or his business, whichever the case.)
This arrangement is appealing to me for a number of reasons. First, I would get to fly a twin and make longer trips with my wife, without feeling guilty about the added expense of owning/operating it. Second, I would have more missions to fly, and would be able to maintain proficiency in the twin. Lastly, I'd be able to afford to keep my current plane for the short hops that we frequently make, for which the twin would be overkill.
What I'm wondering is:
> Is this plausible (from an FAA legal point of view)?
> Do I need a CPL? (Which I am not opposed to getting)
> Do I need greater than Class 3 Medical?
Thanks
I have PPL/IR, with about 600hrs PIC. I'd like to get a larger plane, preferably a pressurized twin, but have trouble justifying the cost of operation, since currently the majority of our flights are up and down the west coast, and only a few hours in length.
My brother is suggesting that we form an LLC and buy the aircraft, sharing the cost of ownership and operation between his business and my own. Although 90% of my flights would be pleasure, 90% of his would be business. The kicker is, he does not have, nor does he desire to get, a pilot's license. He wants me to do the flying. (Which I would love.) I would not get compensated, however the fuel expenses for his trips would be paid by himself. (Or his business, whichever the case.)
This arrangement is appealing to me for a number of reasons. First, I would get to fly a twin and make longer trips with my wife, without feeling guilty about the added expense of owning/operating it. Second, I would have more missions to fly, and would be able to maintain proficiency in the twin. Lastly, I'd be able to afford to keep my current plane for the short hops that we frequently make, for which the twin would be overkill.
What I'm wondering is:
> Is this plausible (from an FAA legal point of view)?
> Do I need a CPL? (Which I am not opposed to getting)
> Do I need greater than Class 3 Medical?
Thanks