Flights in the service of a police authority may be conducted under a police air operator’s certificate (PAOC) granted to the operator and in accordance with a police operations manual (article 2(1), (2), (5), (6) and (10)).

Aircraft flying in accordance with a PAOC are excepted from a number of provisions of the Order.

• The principal exceptions are:

  1. (a)

     such aircraft are excepted from the requirement for twin engined aircraft of 5700 kg or less to carry two pilots (article 2(4));

  2. (b)

     group B and group A2 helicopters flying in accordance with a PAOC may fly over water (provided only specified categories of passenger are carried) for an extended period (article 2(8) and (9));

  3. (c)

     the commander of an aircraft flying in accordance with a PAOC need not demonstrate use of life jackets, ensure passengers and cabin baggage are properly secured or demonstrate emergency use of oxygen (article 2(13));

  4. (d)

     persons, articles and animals may be dropped from aircraft in accordance with a PAOC (article 2(14), (15), (16) and (17));

  5. (e)

     weapons and munitions of war may be carried in the passenger compartment of an aircraft flying in accordance with a PAOC provided the commander has been informed (article 2(18), (19) and (20));

  6. (f)

     an aircraft flying in accordance with a PAOC need not use a licensed aerodrome (article 2(21) and (22));

  7. (g)

     where required to be carried by an aircraft flying in accordance with a PAOC, a radio altimeter may have an audio warning capable of operating at a height selectable by the pilot (article 2(25)).