DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE OHIO
BULLETIN
AWB–340
26 OCT 2018
Supersedes AWB-1012
Distribution Statement A – Approved for public release; distribution unlimited
USAF Center of Excellence for Airworthiness
United States Air Force (USAF) Airworthiness Bulletin (AWB)-340
Subject: USAF Airworthiness Requirements for Contractor-Owned and Contractor-Operated Air
Systems
Attachments: (1) Glossary of References and Supporting Information
(2) COCO Aircraft AW Data Package
(3) Civil Aircraft Operations Verification Letter Template
(4) Declaration of Public Aircraft Operation Letter Template
(5) Special Military Flight Release Template
1. Purpose. Define USAF methodology for assessing airworthiness (AW) of, and providing the
appropriate AW approval for, Contractor-Owned and Contractor-Operated Air Systems. Compliance
with this publication is mandatory.
2. Office of Primary Responsibility. USAF AW Office, AFLCMC/EZZ
(USAF.Airworthiness.Office@us.af.mil).
3. Definitions. Amplifying information is provided in USAF Airworthiness Circular (AC)-18-01.
3.1. Contractor-Owned Contractor-Operated (COCO) Air Systems. Air systems owned and
operated by a private entity receiving compensation via USAF contract, agreement, or other means to
provide products or services in support of research & development activity, science & technology
activity, flight testing, training, operational missions, or other USAF interests.
3.2. Contractor-Owned Government-Operated (COGO) Air Systems. Same definition as COCO
air systems except operated by a USAF crew. Hereafter, the term “COCO air systems” implies both
COCO and COGO air systems. The AW requirements are the same.
3.3. Public Aircraft Operations (PAO). The operation of public aircraft (reference Title 49 United
States Code § 40102(a)(41)). Also, the operation of a civil aircraft (when sponsored by a public
entity) outside the purview of its FAA airworthiness certificate (e.g., configuration, operational use,
or maintenance) and applicable operating regulations under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations.
3.4. Civil Aircraft Operations (CAO). All aircraft operations other than those conducted as public
aircraft operations in accordance with applicable law (reference Title 49 United States Code
§ 40102(a)(16)). Civil aircraft operations includes operation of a civil aircraft fully within the limits
and conditions of its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AW certificate or special flight
authorization and applicable operating regulations under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations.
3.5. AW Authority. A USAF TAA recognized organization that has the legal mandate to develop
and enforce pertinent rules, regulations, and policy governing AW.
3.6. Contract Requiring Activity. The military or other designated supported organization that is
responsible for the support function and/or mission being resourced through
commercial/noncommercial means.
