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As of September 29, 2026, operators of certain Cessna Citation CE-500-series aircraft must plan for two-pilot operations. For many Part 91 owner-operators and small flight departments, that means a new operational requirement, and an immediate question: where will the qualified second in command come from?
The FAA’s policy change affects specific Citation models previously operated single-pilot under training exemptions. NBAA and other industry groups have asked the agency to pause or reconsider the action, but operators should plan for two-crew flights unless and until the FAA issues formal relief.
For NBAA members affected by the change, CrewBlast is offering complimentary 30-day access to CrewBlast OS to help source SICs for CE-500 aircraft.
What changed in the CE-500 single pilot exemption?
On September 28, 2026, the FAA published its Notice of Policy Change and Rescission of Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Certain Cessna Aircraft. The policy took effect September 29.
The affected models are:
- Model 500: Citation and Citation I
- Model 550: Citation II and Bravo
- Model S550: Citation S/II
- Model 552: Navy T-47A
- Model 560: Citation V, Citation Ultra, Encore and Encore+
The action concerns these specified aircraft, not every Citation. Other models, including the Citation 501 and 551 and the CE-525 family, were not included in the FAA’s list of affected variants. Operators should confirm the requirements for their individual aircraft against its type-certificate and approved operating limitations.
The FAA’s position is that the affected aircraft require two pilots under their operating limitations. Under 14 CFR § 91.9 and § 91.531, operators must comply with those limitations and applicable second-in-command requirements. The FAA says the exemption-based logbook endorsement no longer provides relief for single-pilot operations. A completed § 61.58 proficiency check that met the exemption’s conditions may still count toward PIC requirements for a two-pilot operation.
Why did the FAA act?
The FAA cited safety concerns and widespread non-compliance with conditions attached to the exemptions. Its notice describes incomplete records, required flight training conducted in an advanced aviation training device contrary to exemption conditions, and improper checks, including falsified records.
The agency also reviewed accident data covering the previous 18 years. It said affected Part 25 CE-500 aircraft operated single-pilot were involved in approximately twice the accident rate of single-pilot Part 23 aircraft in the comparison group. The FAA concluded that the exemptions no longer provided an equivalent level of safety or served the public interest.
NBAA and Citation Jet Pilots (CJP) challenged the breadth and timing of the action. In a September 29 request to the FAA, they asked for at least a 90-day stay for entities that had complied with the previous conditions and limitations, and proposed an FAA-industry working group. They questioned the blanket approach and said the FAA had not adequately explained the data behind its decision. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) also urged the FAA to reconsider.
Those requests do not, by themselves, change the operating requirements. As of publication, operators should plan for two-pilot operations while monitoring for any formal FAA stay or other change.
What should CE-500 operators do now?
For owner-operators and small flight departments, the regulatory change quickly becomes a staffing and scheduling issue. Every affected flight needs a qualified SIC, and short-notice trips may require contract pilots or a broader corporate aviation staffing plan.
Consider these practical steps:
- Confirm whether your aircraft is affected. Check the model, type-certificate data and approved operating limitations. If anything is unclear, consult your aviation counsel, training provider or the FAA.
- Review crew qualifications. Verify that the PIC and SIC meet the requirements applicable to the aircraft and operation. Don’t assume a former single-pilot endorsement still authorizes single-pilot flight.
- Identify coverage gaps early. Review upcoming trips, home base, destinations and dates to see where you may need contract SIC coverage.
- Build a repeatable sourcing process. Keep aircraft requirements, pilot qualifications and availability organized so the search does not begin from scratch every time a trip is scheduled.
The goal is to stay ready for the current requirement, not to assume a requested pause will be granted.
Complimentary 30-day CrewBlast OS access for NBAA members
To help members affected by the change, CrewBlast is offering complimentary 30-day access to CrewBlast OS through its NBAA CE-500 partnership program. It is intended to help operators locate qualified SICs for CE-500 aircraft and keep trips moving.
Operators submit a requirement (including aircraft type, location and dates) and CrewBlast distributes it to qualified CE-500 pilots across its network. Available candidates can respond through the platform, so operators can review potential matches based on aircraft type, location and real-time availability rather than relying entirely on phone calls, text chains and spreadsheets.
CrewBlast’s network includes more than 15,000 aviation professionals, with identity and biometric verification powered by CLEAR alongside background checks. The platform reports a 98% crewing success rate across more than 350 registered operators. CertiFly can also support qualification and availability tracking; learn more about CertiFly.
CrewBlast OS normally costs $699 per month, with no annual contract. The NBAA CE-500 program provides complimentary access for 30 days. To request access, complete the form on the partnership page; the CrewBlast team will follow up with access information.
What CE-500 operators should remember
The FAA’s policy change means affected CE-500 operators should plan to fly with two pilots. NBAA, CJP and AOPA have asked the agency to reconsider or pause the rescissions, but operators should not delay crew planning while those requests are pending. Confirm your aircraft’s requirements, check pilot qualifications and arrange SIC coverage for upcoming trips.
For NBAA members seeking help with Cessna Citation crew staffing, CrewBlast’s complimentary 30-day OS access is available through the CE-500 program request form.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cessna Citation models are affected?
The FAA notice lists the Model 500 Citation and Citation I; Model 550 Citation II and Bravo; S550 Citation S/II; Model 552 Navy T-47A; and Model 560 Citation V, Ultra, Encore and Encore+. Confirm requirements for your aircraft using its approved operating limitations.
Can a pilot still use a CE-500 single-pilot endorsement?
The FAA says the exemption-based endorsement no longer provides relief to operate an affected aircraft single-pilot. A prior § 61.58 proficiency check completed under the exemption’s conditions may still satisfy PIC requirements for a two-pilot operation.
Has the FAA granted NBAA and CJP’s requested 90-day pause?
NBAA and CJP requested a stay and an FAA-industry working group, and AOPA also urged reconsideration. Those requests are not a stay. Operators should follow the current FAA requirements unless the agency issues formal relief.
How can NBAA members request the complimentary CrewBlast OS access?
NBAA members who operate affected CE-500 aircraft can submit the form at the CrewBlast NBAA partnership page. The CrewBlast team will follow up with access information for the complimentary 30-day period.
