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 operation evolved from an initial two-pilot requirement for all jets, granting the first approval in 1977 to the Cessna Citation I-SP based on its demonstrated low workload and specific equipment.
- Single-pilot approval later expanded to some "large" light jets (over 12,500 lbs, e.g., in the commuter category) where the *pilot* must obtain a specific single-pilot type rating, shifting the focus to individual competency alongside aircraft design.
- Key requirements for single-pilot certification include ergonomic cockpit design, advanced and intuitive automation (autopilot, FMS), and rigorous FAA flight testing to ensure a single pilot can safely manage the workload, acknowledging a slight trade-off in safety for convenience.
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