This AC provides information to assist in determining whether government-owned or government-contracted manned and unmanned aircraft (UA) operations conducted within the territory of the United States are public or civil aircraft operations under the statutory definition of “public aircraft” in Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) §§ 40102(a)(41) and 40125 (the statute). Additionally, this AC contains Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy pertaining to civil aircraft operators that provide contract support to government entities. The intent of this material is to better define the responsibilities of the parties to these contracts.

Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) §§ 40102 and 40125.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)

• Part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules.
• Part 119, Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators.
• Part 135, Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft.
• Part 137, Agricultural Aircraft Operations.

FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System:

• Volume 3, Chapter 14, Section 1, General Information on Public Aircraft Operations.
• Volume 3, Chapter 14, Section 2, Public Aircraft Operations and Surveillance Government Aircraft Operations Versus Civil Aircraft Operations.