What Happened
Regulator Considers Alternative Certification Path Amid Industry Backlash
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is signaling a willingness to examine alternatives that could allow single-pilot operations in certain older Cessna Citation jets. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford welcomed further discussion of an approach involving supplemental aircraft certification, while defending the agency’s decision to withdraw exemptions that previously permitted those flights. The move comes amid industry backlash, with pilot groups challenging the decision to withdraw approvals across the board. The FAA’s policy, effective September 29, 2026, ended the issuance of training exemptions and required existing approvals to be rescinded, as reported by AeroTime.