Regulations and guidance for federal aviation

41 CFR 102-33, Management of Government Aircraft outlines the mandatory policies for federal agencies and provides the foundation for aviation managers to run their air missions safely, efficiently, and effectively.

This regulation covers policies on:

• Buying aircraft
• Establishing Flight Program Standards
• Fixing and maintaining aircraft
• Staff training
• Safety management
• Tracking costs
• Tracking how aircraft are used
• Getting rid of or replacing aircraft and parts
• Reporting aircraft information
   

Federal aviation managers are allowed to use Government aircraft to move commercial goods and civilian employees for specific jobs like fighting fires, law enforcement, aeronautical research, or managing natural resources. 41 CFR 102-33.215, Replacing Aircraft Through Exchange/Sale and 41 CFR 102-33.220, Special Disclaimer for Non-Certified Aircraft Operated as Public Aircraft explain when a Government aircraft is considered to be for “public use” versus when it is carrying people or material for a commercial purpose.

In some special circumstances, Federal agencies may fly their aircraft as “public aircraft.” These conditions are outlined in Section 702 of P.L. 106-181, Wendell H. Ford Aviation and Reform Act for the 21st Century.

All such use must follow Federal Aviation Administration requirements. See FAA Advisory Circular No. 00-1A, Public Aircraft Operations for information on how to bring public aircraft into compliance with FAA safety regulations.

The Federal Aviation Interactive Reporting System, is a management information system. FAIRS collects, maintains, analyzes, and reports information about Federal aircraft and the costs and use of both Federal aircraft and hired Commercial Aviation Services aircraft and related services. Users log into a secure website to access FAIRS.

Any Executive Branch agency of the U.S. Government must report to FAIRS if they own, borrow, rent, or acquire a Government aircraft through a contract or agreement.

Note: The U.S. military (including the Coast Guard) and intelligence agencies do not have to report data via FAIRS.

What kind of information is reported to FAIRS?

• Details about the Federal aircraft inventory, including drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems or UASs).
• Cost and usage details for Federal aircraft, including drones (UASs).
• Cost and usage details for hired commercial aircraft (CAS) and related services.
• Data on accidents and incidents.
• The results of studies (called standard competition studies) that follow OMB Circular A–76, Performance of Commercial Activities. These studies justify the agency need to buy, lease, update, replace, or otherwise get aircraft and related services.

When must data be sent to FAIRS?

• Agencies must report any changes to their Federal aircraft inventory within 14 calendar days of the change.
  Agencies must also report cost and usage data at the end of every fiscal year quarter (December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30). However, agencies have the option to submit this information daily, weekly, or monthly.

GSA works with the Interagency Committee for Aviation Policy (ICAP) to create guidance on:

• Aircraft Capital Asset Planning
• Operation of large aircraft (over 12,500 pounds)
• Operation of small aircraft (under 12,500 pounds)
• Aircraft maintenance
• Aircraft cost accounting

To get a copy of these guides, email aviationpolicy@gsa.gov.