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 initially required two pilots for jet aircraft, but this evolved to allow single-pilot operations for light business jets, starting with the Cessna Citation I-SP in 1977, driven by demonstrating low pilot workload.
- Single-pilot certification hinges on factors like aircraft weight (historically under 12,500 lbs), ergonomic cockpit design, advanced automation (autopilot, FMS), and rigorous FAA flight testing to ensure a single pilot can safely manage the workload.
- The FAA's approach shifted from solely certifying the aircraft for single-pilot operation to also requiring a "single-pilot type rating" for the pilot, necessitating individual demonstration of competency to operate certain approved jets alone, even some exceeding 12,500 lbs.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
