"Neil Gould" wrote in message
. com...
Note that YOU were the one that set the parameters that the "aircraft's
engines are running", therefore, the regs quoted directly answered your
original question, as the PIC is always "operating an aircraft" if the
engines are running, and therefore it is not "just a polite custom".

The PIC is NOT "always 'operating an aircraft' if the engines are running".
The FAA specifically defines "operate" to relate to "air navigation". There
is nothing in the definition that suggests that simply having the engine
running constitutes "operating".

Is it a good idea to turn on the anticollision lights if you've got the
engine running? Sure, especially if you are going to move the airplane (for
example, taxiing from one spot on the ground to another). Is it a
regulatory requirement? No, it is not. If you are not engaged in "air
navigation", you are not "operating" the aircraft as far as the FARs are
concerned.

Once again, you choose to argue rather than learn.

Seems to me, that accusation is more appropriately leveled at many of the
other participants in this thread, this time.

Pete