The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice detailing a significant policy shift regarding single-pilot operations for specific Cessna aircraft. Published in the Federal Register on September 28, 2026, as Document 2026-19843, this rule addresses ongoing safety concerns identified through a comprehensive review of existing exemptions. The review revealed widespread non-compliance with the conditions attached to these allowances, prompting the agency to halt the issuance of new exemptions and move toward rescinding those currently in force.
The notice serves two purposes. First, it informs current exemption holders that their specific authorizations will be terminated through a separate, subsequent action by the FAA. Second, it clarifies the status of pilots who obtained single-pilot endorsements from training providers that relied on these exemptions. These pilots must cease single-pilot operations in aircraft that legally require two pilots under standard regulations, as they have no relief from those requirements.
The policy is effective September 29, 2026. This adjustment falls under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically affecting Part 91, which governs general operating and flight rules. The matter is tracked under Docket No. FAA-2026-12343.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.