We use cookies to improve security, personalize the user experience,
enhance our marketing activities (including cooperating with our marketing partners) and for other
business use.
Click "here" to read our Cookie Policy.
By clicking "Accept" you agree to the use of cookies. Read less
What You Need to Know About Public Aircraft and Their Legal Definition
Definition & Meaning
A public aircraft is defined as any aircraft that is owned or fully controlled by the U.S. government or its agencies, as well as any aircraft owned or controlled by a foreign government. These aircraft are exempt from certain arrival, entry, and clearance requirements that typically apply to other aircraft. However, this definition excludes government-owned aircraft that are used for commercial purposes.
To qualify as a public aircraft, the following conditions must be met:
The aircraft is operated entirely by armed forces members or civil service personnel of the government.
It is used solely for transporting government property or passengers on official government business.
It does not carry passengers or cargo at all.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term "public aircraft" is relevant in various legal contexts, particularly in aviation law and regulations enforced by agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Understanding this term is crucial for compliance with federal regulations regarding air commerce.
Individuals or organizations operating public aircraft must be aware of the specific legal requirements and exemptions that apply, which can often be managed through legal templates and forms available from resources like US Legal Forms.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A U.S. military aircraft transporting supplies to a remote base is considered a public aircraft because it is owned and operated by the U.S. government and is not engaged in commercial activities.
Example 2: A government-operated surveillance drone used for monitoring public lands qualifies as a public aircraft since it is under the control of government personnel and does not carry passengers or cargo. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
Key regulations governing public aircraft can be found in Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically 19 CFR 122.1. This regulation outlines the definitions and provisions related to air commerce and public aircraft operations.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Public Aircraft
Aircraft owned or controlled by the government, exempt from certain regulations.
Private Aircraft
Aircraft owned by individuals or corporations for personal use, subject to standard regulations.
Commercial Aircraft
Aircraft used for commercial purposes, such as transporting passengers or cargo for hire.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe your aircraft may qualify as a public aircraft, it is important to review the relevant regulations to ensure compliance. You can use legal templates from US Legal Forms to assist with necessary documentation. If your situation is complex, consider consulting a legal professional for tailored advice.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.