DAFPD10-36 — Contracted Air Services

DAFPD10-36 governs Department of the Air Force contracted air services, including their planning, procurement, and sponsorship for foreign governments.

Search DAFPD10-36

  • Publication number: DAFPD10-36
  • Title: CONTRACTED AIR SERVICES
  • Date: 2026-05-15

View DAFPD10-36 on armypubs.army.mil


DAFPD10-36 covers Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated air services and considerations including airworthiness, aircraft status, safety, security, maintenance, liability, and cyber vulnerability. It requires compliance with applicable aviation regulations and sets conditions for civil, public, and state aircraft operations.

Applies to: This publication applies to all civilian employees and uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, United States Space Force (USSF), and other individuals or organizations as required by binding agreement or obligation with the Department of the Air Force.

Topics covered

  • Contracted air services
  • Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated air services
  • Aircraft airworthiness
  • Civil, public, and state aircraft operations
  • Aircrew qualification
  • Contracted air service safety and security
  • Foreign-government air service sponsorship

Questions and answers

When may the Department of the Air Force contract air services?

Air services may be contracted when available organic DAF assets are insufficient in meeting unit, MAJCOM/FLDCOM, or Service component requirements including, when authorized, the sponsorship of contracted air services procured by or on behalf of foreign governments. (paragraph 1)

What air services are excluded from DAFPD10-36?

Educational Services Agreements (ESA) are exempted from this policy. (paragraph 1)

What is the scope of DAFPD10-36 for contracted air services?

The scope of this publication is limited to Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) air services. (paragraph 1)

What regulations must contracted aircraft follow within the National Airspace System?

Within the National Airspace System (NAS), aircraft contracted by the DoW, or a foreign government sponsored by a DAF organization for air services will operate in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), range, and local operating regulations and procedures. (paragraph 2)

What airworthiness assessment is required for contracted aircraft in public or state aircraft operations?

Contracted aircraft operated in Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) or State Aircraft Operations (SAO) status require an assessment for airworthiness in accordance with DAFPD 62-6, USAF Airworthiness. (paragraph 2)

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