aerial photography business with private pilot license

[aegis5]

I have a friend who is starting a movie business. I have a private pilot's license and can rent aircraft from the flight school. I would like to help him out with some aerial photography shots, but I know I cannot legally charge to take him up to take movies.

I was told that I could, however, charge him for the resulting pictures and everything would be legitimate. Is there any truth to this claim?

Also, would it change anything if he were riding and taking the pictures?

At very least, would he be allowed to pay for half the rental costs?

-thanks

[bluesideup]

Lets just cutr to the chase on this one. NO! You cannot charge for anything that results in a benifit to anyone else or yourself. Now, that being said. whats to stop you from charging him for some other service, some other day, and he goes flying with you on a different day. Depends on your personality.

[waveflyer]

I'd like to see the FAR that says anything about a private pilot shooting his own pics on speculation, and then selling them as not being legal. What I'm not sure is that if you can do this on a "for hire" basis and/or advertise if you take the photos YOURSELF. I know many private pilots publish books of aerial photos and things like that. Remember on the FAR's if it doesn't say you CAN'T do it, you can...

So I would think that you could teach your friend how to fly straight and level, have him come up the plane and do that while you take the movies.
Then you charge him for the MOVIES YOU TOOK, while you were PIC.
(not the safest thing to do obviously)

FAR 61.115 states

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or HIRE, act as pilot in commmand of an aircraft on connection with any business or employment if
(1) the flight is only incidental to that business or employent; and
(2) the aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

"incidental" seems to be the key word here...anyone?

[bluesideup]

You can do a lot of things in this world if you're quite about it. Is it legal, ask Denny!