"Jose" wrote in message
.. .
I don't think you're using the same definition of "opportunity" as the
FAA. From what I'm hearing/reading, the FAAs definition of "opportunity"
goes more toward the cirmcumstances from which the flight arose. If you
are going flying and you invite me to come along for a ride from Buffalo
to Flushing, NY...no problem. But, if I say to you, I've been meaning to
go to Flushing, NY. Hey, I know, why don't you fly me up there? .. and
you agree (and even if YOU pay all the costs involved...) then this is a
violation of the idea of commonality. My needing to go to Flushing is
providing you with an opportunity to log time because of me...not because
you suggested it.
"The idea of commonality" is something the FAA made up out of whole cloth,
bypassing the normal rulemaking procedure.
I would agree. I think they thought they found a hole (hole cloth?) in the
regs that was allowing a quasi-black market form of 135 flying (I could be
wrong...) so they slammed the door on it (or tried to) by coming up with a
grey area to cover a grey area.
The "opportunity" to fly to Flushing was not provided by you. Icould still
go to Flushing if I wanted to, irrespective of your request. Instead, what
was provided was the opportunity to have my flight =benefit= you.
The sticking point would be whether or not I suggested we go, or you
suggested we go. Me = BAD .. You = OK.
You're splitting hairs...
The FAA splits hairs. In fact they split short hairs.
No argument here...but I hope the FAA never gets near my short hairs.
Then it would behoove you to split long hairs. 
Errr, let's not go there.
P
But if you go fly with the primary reason being the taking of your sister
to visit her friend, (as a private pilot) IMO, you would be doing so in
potential violation of the way in which the FAA has interpreted this
situation in the past.
This seems to be true. It is also asinine. (and my rants, if they be
interpreted as such, are directed at the part of the FAA that comes up with
and defends this kind of thing, not at you or any other poster)
Completely understood but thanks for saying so.
Jay B