Originally Posted by
martymayes
As of 2007, the FAA has overhauled the reg requirements to conduct sightseeing flights. See FAR 91.147. Because you are advertising, they are going to apply the FAR Part 110 definition and label your operation "commercial air tour." You'll have to apply for an LOA from the FSDO. Flights will have to be conducted within a 25sm radius, a commercial pilot certificate is required, drug testing is required and you'll need to list the aircraft you plan to use and comply with maintenance requirements. Since you indicated you'll be renting, the operator will have to be okay with this.
If you want to do this as a private pilot and pro-rata sharing of expenses, you'll have to drop the advertising, even the "word of mouth" type. Even then you'll be walking on thin ice if the FAA investigates.