Confusion Reigns after FAA Drops Single-pilot Exemption for Citation CE-500 Jets

Confusion Reigns after FAA Drops Single-pilot Exemption

Questions arising over FAA's review of pertinent accidents

Latitude Technologies is helping operators of older Cessna Citation jets, like this 560 Ultra model, extend overhaul limits for their Pratt & Whitney engines. (Photo: Latitude Technologies)

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

September 28, 2026

The FAA’s plan to rescind all single-pilot exemptions for certain legacy Cessna Citations certified under FAR Part 25 has generated confusion and questions from pilots and industry associations. The ruling, which becomes effective on September 29, affects the following CE-500 variants: “Model 500—Citation and Citation I; Model 550—Citation II; Model S550—Citation S/II; Model 552; Navy T-47A; Model 560—Citation V and Citation Ultra; Model 550—Bravo; Model 560—Encore; and Model 560—Encore+,” according to the FAA.

“NBAA supports the FAA’s responsibility to examine safety concerns and to take appropriate action as supported by the evidence,” said NBAA senior v-p of operations Heidi Williams. “At the same time, the FAA’s decision to rescind these exemptions in full, effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register, and without direct notice to affected operators, raises serious questions.”

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