[QUOTE="AH-1G, post: 635, member: 64"]So those who are not certified but yet still fly as hobbyist whether 5 years old or 70 years old, are they pilots or operators, what? I agree PatR, with a more defined class. As with you I'm a Certified Private Pilot Single Engine Land.
When I go out to potential customers I show them both license, this has helped and they are more comfortable with my ability to understand airspace rules and regulations.
Case in point: I was given a flying project that required me to be next to the taxi way at a small Class A International Airport, I explained I was also Licensed pilot. I was given the approval by ATC with in 8 hours to fly the project. Of course there was help from Airport Manager, but my Piloting experience also came into play.
Notice the jet just lifting off and the second pic control tower in the back ground. My restrictions were max height 100' and 1¼ flight time at dusk.
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I think the FAA made that decision/distinction when the registration law for recreational "pilots" was reinstated. They are now "pilots", and again held responsible for their actions as such under the "careless and reckless operation of an aircraft" rule.
As for holding a 107 pilot certificate, I believe it is an important qualifying separation between recreational and professional operators where customer perception and comfort level is concerned. When a person accepts a 107 certificate they are making a blanket statement they are aware of all the rules and understand they are bound by them. Whether or not they do and agree matters not, the certificate locks them in and makes them liable. I also believe a 107 holder that possesses a full scale license will be viewed much more favorably than someone with just a 107 certificate in many situations. Where airspace and airports are concerned I don't think there are very many basic 107 operators that have the knowledge necessary to function safely and effectively in complex aviation environments. In any case, if you operate commercially and have a business card it would be to your advantage to show you are FAA certified somewhere on the business card and on your company letterhead.
When I go out to potential customers I show them both license, this has helped and they are more comfortable with my ability to understand airspace rules and regulations.
Case in point: I was given a flying project that required me to be next to the taxi way at a small Class A International Airport, I explained I was also Licensed pilot. I was given the approval by ATC with in 8 hours to fly the project. Of course there was help from Airport Manager, but my Piloting experience also came into play.
Notice the jet just lifting off and the second pic control tower in the back ground. My restrictions were max height 100' and 1¼ flight time at dusk.
View attachment 35 View attachment 36[/QUOTE]
I think the FAA made that decision/distinction when the registration law for recreational "pilots" was reinstated. They are now "pilots", and again held responsible for their actions as such under the "careless and reckless operation of an aircraft" rule.
As for holding a 107 pilot certificate, I believe it is an important qualifying separation between recreational and professional operators where customer perception and comfort level is concerned. When a person accepts a 107 certificate they are making a blanket statement they are aware of all the rules and understand they are bound by them. Whether or not they do and agree matters not, the certificate locks them in and makes them liable. I also believe a 107 holder that possesses a full scale license will be viewed much more favorably than someone with just a 107 certificate in many situations. Where airspace and airports are concerned I don't think there are very many basic 107 operators that have the knowledge necessary to function safely and effectively in complex aviation environments. In any case, if you operate commercially and have a business card it would be to your advantage to show you are FAA certified somewhere on the business card and on your company letterhead.
