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CE-500 Series Single Pilot Operations

Cessna has given the name “Citation” to many different models in their product line.  These models range from the early “Citation” (CE-500) and “Citation II” (CE-550) to the current production models such as the “Citation Jet” (CE-525) and “Citation X” (CE-750).   This article will only address single pilot operations in the aircraft that can be flown with the “CE-500” type rating.   For clarification purposes, the FAA allows the following aircraft to be flown on the CE-500 type rating:
CE-500 (Citation, Citation I)
CE-501 (Citation I/SP)
CE-550 (Citation II, Bravo)
CE-S550 (Citation S/II)
CE-551 (Citation II/SP)
CE-552 (A limited production military edition)
CE-560 (Citation V, Ultra, Encore)

Many discussions about flying a Citation as a single pilot include the term “CE-500 series”.  The term “CE-500 series” does not include aircraft like the CE-510 (Mustang), the Citation Jet’s (CE-525, 525A, 525B), or the Citation Excel (CE-560XL) even though their official designation is a “500” number.  These three models have their own type rating and will not be covered in this article.  Only those aircraft that can be flown with a CE-500 type rating are considered CE-500 series.

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to single pilot operations in the Cessna Citation.  The only two ways to fly a CE-500 series Citation as a single pilot are:
1. The certification status of the aircraft itself (Part 23) or
2.  Under an FAA Approved Single Pilot Exemption

Single Pilot Operations Based on Exemptions

The CE-501 and CE-551 models do have some weight limitations that drive operators to the other method of flying a Citation single pilot.  That second method is to use some form of FAA Approved Exemption.  These Exemptions are approved by the FAA at a National Level for various entities and for various models of Citation and allow single pilot operations in aircraft that have been certified under Part 25 that normally require a crew of two.  The exemptions do not limit the weight of the aircraft and cover only “CE-500 series” aircraft.  The Exemption is not reflected on the actual pilot's certificate in any manner.  It is a separate document.

Every Exemption is approved for a limited time period by the FAA’s General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS 800, in Washington, DC.  The Exemption document itself states when that individual Exemption expires. Some Exemptions are issued to the pilot and some to the aircraft and pilot.  At this time, all exemptions require annual training every 12 months for the pilot. 

When an aircraft is operating under an exemption, a current copy of the exemption and proof of pilot training (graduation certificate) must be carried aboard the aircraft. Copies are considered acceptable.  Since the Exemption itself does expire, caution should be used to assure that a current copy of the Exemption is always available onboard.

Exemptions typically require that the pilot has a minimum certificate and experience level. These may include:
1. Commercial or ATP with CE-500 type rating
2. Logged 1,000 hours total
3. 75 hours of instrument (40 hours actual)
4. 500 hours in turbine powered airplanes (PIC or SIC)
5. Valid First or Second Class medical

Check rides for the Exemptions require the applicant to perform an entire CE-500 type ride to include circling approaches to both the left and right.  It should be noted that all type rides are to ATP standards regardless of type of pilot certificate held. You can not use a 501 or 551 model for the required Exemption flight check.

Once completing initial training, pilots can also expect weather minimums for all instrument approaches to be higher until they have completed 100 hours of single pilot flight experience in the CE-500 series aircraft.  All aircraft must always have a boom microphone (usually a headset) and a fully functioning autopilot capable of approach coupling.

A common misconception is that the single pilot exemptions allow for a “grace month”.  This is not true.  There is no grace month provision in the exemptions that allows a flight to take place. The “calendar month before or after” is only used to determine a “base month” that should be on the graduation certificate. Any flight done in the “13th month” as a single pilot under the Exemption would not be legal. In addition, the Exemptions are not valid for operations under 14 CFR Part 135.  All single pilot operations under an Exemption must be conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Completing a training course for an Exemption may, or may not, include credit for a 14 CFR Part 61.58 proficiency check.  All training for an Exemption must be through an FAA approved course.  A local Citation flight instructor or DPE can not conduct the training, checking, or certification without a direct connection to an FAA Approved Course. Both the Exemption and Course must be fully FAA approved.  This is often misunderstood.

PrestoSIM is approved by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 142 (142 Approvals) to train under our own Exemption (PrestoSIM 9843A Exemption).

PrestoSIM 9843A Exemption

The PrestoSIM 9843A Exemption (PrestoSIM 9843A Exemption), is owned by PrestoSIM and covers the 500, 550, S550, 552, 560, Ultra, Bravo, and Encore models.  We are very proud of this “All in One” Exemption since it allows the pilot with differences training to fly a full eight different Citation models on a single exemption.  The exemption is issued to the pilot and attaches to all serial numbers of aircraft.  As a result, the pilot can fly any CE-500 series aircraft that they have been trained for regardless of serial or unit number.  This can be extremely useful for a contract pilot.

Our PrestoSIM Exemption, was issued on March 27, 2009 and will expire on April 30, 2011.  The use of the 9843 exemption is included with all appropriate single pilot course fees at PrestoSIM.