SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-fifty-mile-limit

A new commercial airplane pilot has no instrument rating. Passengers for hire cannot go cross-country beyond how far?

50 nautical miles (and not at night) until an instrument rating is added.

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  1. 25 nautical miles
  2. 50 nautical miles ✔
  3. 100 nautical miles

Why: Without an instrument rating, a commercial airplane certificate carries a limitation. It bars carrying passengers for hire on cross-country flights over 50 nautical miles, and also bars carrying them at night.

Huh, didn't know that: The limitation is printed right on the certificate. Day pattern work and short local flights are still allowed.

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Who invented the first airplane that wouldn't fly? The Wrong Brothers.
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References

Answer: 50 nautical miles. Without an instrument rating, a commercial airplane certificate carries a limitation. It bars carrying passengers for hire on cross-country flights over 50 nautical miles, and also bars carrying them at night.

  1. 14 CFR 61.133 Commercial pilot privileges and limitations (Cornell LII eCFR mirror) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.133
    on cross-country flights in excess of 50 nautical miles or at night is prohibited
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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FlyingHow does a commercial pilot remove the 50 nautical mile and night passenger limitation?FlyingOf the 100 hours of PIC time, how many must be cross-country flight?FlyingA commercial applicant must fly a 2-hour daytime cross-country with a straight-line distance greater than what?

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