FAA Citation 500-Series Single-Pilot Exemptions: What the Report Says

A column by Ori Gross reports that the FAA ended single-pilot exemptions for the CE-500, CE-550, CE-S550 and CE-560. Under the reported change, those models must carry a trained second-in-command alongside the pilot-in-command. The claims have not been independently confirmed in the material provided.

Key details

• The column identifies the Citation 501/551 SP, Citation Mustang 510 and CJ/525 series as unaffected.
• It cites an 18-year analysis and says single-pilot CE-500 aircraft had roughly twice the accident rate of similar Part 23 jets.
• It says 13 of 14 training organizations were denied permit renewals.
• The author says operators may need structured crew resource management training, procedures, briefings and checklists to support two-pilot operations.
• The column forecasts increased demand for second-in-command pilots and opportunities for lower-time commercial multiengine pilots to gain turbine experience.

The column says 13 of 14 training organizations were denied permit renewals.

Why it matters

If the reported change is confirmed, operators of the named Citation models would need to staff flights with a trained second-in-command. That could also create additional entry points for pilots seeking turbine experience.

What happens next

Operators and pilots will be watching how the reported change affects staffing and training for the named Citation models. Could the shift open more second-in-command opportunities for newer commercial pilots?