From the beginning the FAA has treated jets differently. In almost every area of certification the standards for jets have been more stringent than for propeller-driven airplanes, and one of those jet standards had been a requirement for two pilots. That rule remained in force until 1977 when Cessna won approval for single-pilot operation of its new Citation I-SP, and now many models of business jets are approved for single-pilot operation.
Single Pilot Jets
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA's approach to single-pilot jet certification has evolved, initially based on aircraft weight and low workload design (e.g., Cessna Citation I-SP), and now includes a "single-pilot type rating" for pilots flying approved lighter business jets, even those exceeding 12,500 pounds.
- Single-pilot approval requires specific aircraft design features that minimize pilot workload, such as easily accessible controls, integrated automation (e.g., functional autopilot), and comprehensive flight management systems.
- FAA certification involves rigorous flight testing where agency pilots assess the manageability of the aircraft from the left seat under typical IFR conditions without a copilot.
- While offering convenience and flexibility, single-pilot jet operations are largely limited to light business jets and acknowledge a trade-off in potential safety compared to a two-pilot crew, without being applicable to larger transport category aircraft.
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