Notice of Policy Change and Rescission of Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Certain Cessna Aircraft
Key claim: The FAA will stop granting waivers that let certain two-pilot Cessna aircraft be flown by one person, will revoke existing waivers, and is telling pilots that single-pilot training endorsements from those programs no longer allow them to fly those planes alone.
Abstract
(Rule · Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration) Based on safety concerns and a review that revealed widespread non-compliance with the exemptions, the FAA is announcing its decision to cease issuing exemptions that allow certain Cessna aircraft that require two pilots to operate as a single-pilot operation, and notifying current exemption holders that their exemptions will be rescinded by separate action. This notice also serves to inform pilots who obtained single-pilot endorsements from training providers that held exemptions that they must cease single-pilot operations in aircraft that require two pilots under the regulations as they have no relief from the regulations.
Why this matters
Type certificates for some Cessna models require two pilots, and the FAA had been granting narrow exemptions allowing single-pilot operation after specific training. Rescinding those exemptions tightens crew-complement enforcement for a small group of operators and training providers and reverts affected aircraft to their original two-pilot certification baseline.