Exemption from FARs?????

[Flyingfanatic]

Here's something I thought would stir up some discussion:

Is there such a designation as "public use aircraft"?

Are those aircraft exempt from the FAR's?

I researched the FARs a bit and I see where the Administrator can issue a Waiver to FARs but I don't see a designation for "public use aircraft" or anything similar nor do I see an exemption for the aircraft in FARs.

Someone told me that Police helicopters and such (I am assuming this would include fire fighting aircraft, medi-vac, etc.) are not governed by the FARs. I was told those that pilot them do not even have to have a pilot certificate issued by the FAA, but many do just as a way of maintaining professional standards.

Being a CFI, albeit inactive, I didn't think it was true. I looked briefly and can find no such designation and/or exemption from the FARs.

What do you think?

[airfreddy]

Hello:

I am not sure about the " public use " Part. I would think that something that is used for evacuations / emergencies could fall into that.

As far as your quote below:

"Someone told me that Police helicopters and such (I am assuming this would include fire fighting aircraft, medi-vac, etc.) are not governed by the FARs. I was told those that pilot them do not even have to have a pilot certificate issued by the FAA, but many do just as a way of maintaining professional standards."

They are all governed by the FAR's but they are usually under part 135 or part 121 so they have their own " approved Rules" My old flight school was in a hanger with a copany that contracted for the forest service. They were a Part 135 company then they have special operating procedures with the forest service.

As far as the pilot certificates, they may have military licenses but they usually are given FAA certificates also. I have added on airplane ratings to may Airvac / police pilots. They all had FAA certificates.

They are all governed by the FAR's it just depends what part

Airfreddy