Special Operations Groups
SOGs are dedicated hobby organisations whose aim is to perform Special Operations flights, intending to simulate (recreate) operations of real world state operators (including military operators), aerial work operators, specialised operators, etc. (e.g. air forces, squadrons, SAR units, branches of state operators, aerial work operators, etc.), or to establish equivalent fictitious entities, or combinations of both. SOGs offer their members various tools to perform special operations under their flag; they are team–oriented environments, normally facilitating acquirement of new skills with emphasis on training and mastering their areas of expertise. SOGs frequently organise internal exercises & operations and participate in both divisional and international SO events.
HQ–SOD maintains a system of IVAO SOGs and oversees them.
It is not necessary to register a SOG to perform SO flights in a group on IVAO, however, the official SOGs operate under the chapter 7 of the SO Regulations allowing a wide range of operations and freedoms, some of which are not available to individual users performing SO flights on IVAO alone or in unregistered groups.