FAA Announces Policy Change and Rescission of Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Cessna Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration published a notice regarding a policy change and the cancellation of single-pilot training exemptions for specific Cessna aircraft models. This decision follows safety concerns alongside a review that uncovered widespread failure to comply with the existing exemptions.

Under this new policy announcement, the agency will stop issuing exemptions that permit certain Cessna aircraft typically requiring a two-pilot crew to operate with only a single pilot. Furthermore, current holders of these exemptions will receive notifications that their exemptions are being rescinded through separate actions.

The regulatory notice also addresses pilots who secured single-pilot endorsements issued by training providers holding these exemptions. Such aviators must stop flying these multi-pilot aircraft by themselves, because they no longer possess any regulatory relief from the standard operating rules.

The Federal Register notice serves as the primary announcement for this administrative shift. The agency noted that the review process highlighted systemic issues regarding adherence to the exemption requirements, prompting the complete withdrawal of the policy.

Pilots and training organizations affected by this announcement must review their operational status and training endorsements to ensure full compliance with standard regulations. Operators who relied on training provider exemptions can no longer operate the specified Cessna aircraft without a mandatory second pilot.

Sources: FAA (Federal Register)