Use of Aero Club Aircraft for Official Travel

Payment of an Air Force member's travel voucher and the use of Aero Club aircraft in the performance of public business was questioned. The member, who was authorized to use such aircraft for temporary duty travel, incurred delays and additional travel because of mechanical difficulties with the aircraft. Under current regulations, the use of Aero Club-owned or government-loaned aircraft may not take precedence over normal government conveyance even if such use is considered advantageous to the government. The member may not be reimbursed per diem for layover time since regulations provide that per diem not exceed the amount payable for use of commercial transportation. The travel to and from his permanent duty station while waiting for aircraft repairs was not reimbursable since the trip was not necessary for performance of official duties. Inclusion of commercial fares for the pilot plus corresponding fares for passengers on official travel in determining the constructive transportation cost ceiling for travel involving Aero Club or private aircraft is proper.

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