Commercial Pilot Privies?

You have been hired by the local FBO.  They want you to start sight seeing rides remaining within 25NM.  Can you just put an ad in the local paper and start flying that new 172 the FBO on these flight?  What FARs do you need to comply with to keep the FSDO happy?  That's a good question with an easy answer.  About 7 years ago the FAA published CFR 91.147 which address this.  In order to do sight seeing rides within 25NM you need to have a LOA from the local FSDO and a drug and alcohol testing program.  Of course your aircraft has to be maintained to commerical standards (think 100 hr inspection etc).

Another question.  A little old lady owns a C-172 and wants you to fly her and her pretty little dog to the Mall of American up near MSP.  She is willing to pay you $500 for your services.  Can you do this?  What if this little old lady want you to fly her up to MSP in your 172 can you do that?  The answers to these questions might not be as easy as they appear.  A little research in FAA legal interpatations and case law will show  that one of those scenerios is legal and the other is not.