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FAA Ends Single-Pilot Exemptions for Legacy Cessna Citation 500

October 30, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

FAA ends single-pilot exemptions for Cessna Citation 500 series jets.
Aircraft now require a trained Second-in-Command onboard.
Decision based on safety disparity and non-compliance findings.

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Strategic Implications

This policy change may indicate a shift in the FAA's approach to single-pilot operations, suggesting a greater emphasis on crew resource management and safety equivalency. The decision could have significant financial and operational implications for business aviation operators, and may influence the development of future single-pilot aircraft designs.

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What Happened

Regulatory Change Impacts Business Aviation Operations and Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ended single-pilot exemptions for legacy Cessna Citation 500 series jets, citing safety disparity and non-compliance findings. The decision requires these aircraft to have a trained Second-in-Command onboard, in addition to the Pilot-in-Command. This change may have significant financial and operational ramifications for business aviation operators, and could influence the development of future single-pilot aircraft designs. The move was reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: October 30, 2026

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