FAA Pulls Citation Single-Pilot Authorization

Agency cites safety concerns and ‘widespread noncompliance’ with former rules.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, September 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Cessna 550 jet [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has halted single-pilot operations for several Cessna Citation jet models, citing significant safety concerns and "widespread noncompliance" with training exemptions.
An investigation revealed non-compliance among training providers, including incomplete records, improper flight training, and falsified documents, leading to the rescission of exemptions for 13 of 14 organizations.
The decision is supported by data showing that single-pilot Citation jets have an accident rate twice that of those flown by two pilots, requiring affected pilots to cease single-pilot operations.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The FAA is halting single-pilot operations in certain models of Cessna Citation jets, citing safety concerns and “widespread noncompliance” with training exemptions.

On Friday the FAA issued a formal “Notice of Policy Change and Rescission of Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Certain Cessna Aircraft.” The six-page report notes the change is based on safety concerns resulting from a review that “revealed widespread non-compliance with the exemptions,” which prompted the FAA to cease issuing exemptions that allow certain Cessna jets that require two pilots to be flown as a single-pilot operation.