reg 4 Meaning of “operator”
(1) For the purposes of the application of any provision of this Order, “ operator ” in relation to an aircraft ... means the person who at the relevant time has management of the aircraft .... (2) But, for the purposes of the application of this Order in relation to aircraft ... belonging to or exclusively employed in the service of Her Majesty, a government department or other authority for the time being responsible on behalf of Her Majesty for the management of the aircraft ... is deemed to be the operator of the aircraft .... (3) Nothing in this article renders liable to any penalty any government department or other authority responsible on behalf of Her Majesty for the management of any aircraft ....