U.S. FEDRegulation
FAA stops single-pilot exemptions for two-pilot Cessna Citation CE-500 jets
The Federal Aviation Administration said it would stop issuing exemptions that let certain Cessna Citation CE-500 aircraft certified for two-pilot crews operate with a single pilot, citing safety concerns and widespread non-compliance found in a review. Current exemption holders face rescission by separate action, and pilots holding logbook endorsements from exempted providers must now fly two-pilot configurations. The policy statement takes effect September 29, 2026.
Text (Federal Register) → · NBAA
Key points
- Ceases issuing exemptions letting two-pilot Cessna CE-500 aircraft fly single-pilot; current holders' exemptions rescinded by separate action.Federal Register
- Pilots with logbook endorsements from exempted providers must now fly CE-500 aircraft in two-pilot configuration per sections 91.9 and 91.531.Federal Register
- Review found widespread non-compliance; agency said exemptions no longer provide an equivalent level of safety or serve the public interest.Federal Register
- NBAA and CJP questioned the rescission's immediate effect and lack of direct notice; CJP filed FOIA requests for the FAA's safety data.NBAA
- FR notice states policy effective Sept. 29, 2026; NBAA described the rescission as effective on publication (Sept. 28).Federal RegisterNBAA
- The FAA cited a May 22, 2025 fatal single-pilot CE-500 accident (NTSB WPR25FA161) and accident-rate data.Federal Register