AIM ¶ 11-5-2 — PAO Pilot Certification

AIM 11-5-2 addresses how pilots are certified when flying under Public Aircraft Operations (PAOs) — flights conducted by government entities (federal, state, tribal, or local) for governmental functions rather than civil purposes.

Key points to understand:

• The operating agency is responsible for training its own pilots when conducting PAOs.
• The agency self-certifies that its pilots are competent to operate safely in the National Airspace System (NAS).
• The FAA does not issue a separate "public aircraft" pilot certificate — competency is determined by the agency itself.
• For detailed guidance and best practices, the AIM points pilots and operators to Advisory Circular (AC) 00-1.1, Public Aircraft Operations—Manned and Unmanned.

Why it matters operationally: If you fly for a law enforcement agency, fire service, military contractor, or other public entity, your training and qualification pathway may differ from a civil Part 91 or Part 135 operation. You still must operate safely in the NAS, but the certification framework is internal to the agency. This is guidance, not a regulation — the actual legal definition of public aircraft is in 49 USC §40102 and §40125.