SPO is a category of operation, if doing any work under Special Operations then quite simply any crew member on board must be performing a task or role applicable to the purposes of the flight. The most common Task Specialist normally covers surveillance or survey equipment operators. I guess winch personel on civilian rotary SAR would also be classsed as TS.
ATOs get around the aerobatics bit by selling the aerobatic flights as trial lessons, hence the passenger is normally on a temporary membership as a "student".
But if you read your link it does state aerobatics not flown for profit do not fall under SPO. So if you are doing a private flight and you have a suitable aerobatic capable aircraft and you have the appropriate training, you have no limitations on carrying a passenger.
Last edited by portsharbourflyer; 9th May 2023 at 15:03.