HPNPilot1200
En-Route
Must the private pilot acting as PIC be fully employed by such "business" or is a one-time consultation visit within the scope of 14 CFR §61.113(b)(1)? Hypothetically, you are invited by a major research institute to dedicate the better part of a day to help research and test out new state-of-the-art equipment to test concepts of operation proposed by NextGen. Can you legally accept compensation strictly for the operating costs of the aircraft if you were to fly there?§ 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.
(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if:
(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
Appreciate any advice. I took a look through the FAA Chief Counsel Interpretations but didn't find any that particularly addressed this unique, hypothetical case.