An issue that pops up from time to time are single pilot exemptions issued to pilots of Citation C500, C550 and C560 aircraft. The issue with the C500, C550 and C560 is that the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) states "Minimum Crew For all flights: 2 persons (pilot and co-pilot)", therein lies the problem.

A while back, the FAA changed the wording on the Exemptions issued to the training centers that issue these exemptions. The wording was changed to state that they were not valid for operations outside the US. CST Flight Services teamed up with AOPA and Flight Safety to review this with the FAA and it was subsequently changed to the present wording which states something to the effect of "This exemption is not valid for operations outside the United States, except when the operator receives authorization from the appropriate civil aviation authority of the sovereign nation in which the operator intends to operate." Remember, the Type Certificate Data Sheet for these aircraft lists minimum crew as 2 and that is where civil aviation authorities will start. Based on our repeated experience with this subject, we would like to make a few observations.

1) The exemptions are a document from the FAA. It is only valid where the FAA has jurisdiction.

2) Get the approval!! We have been told by a number of pilots that they have been flying to XYZ for many years with their waiver and never had a problem. we don't doubt their claims but as we say in aviation, it is not a problem, until there is a problem. Imagine if you have an incident and something is damaged or someone is injured or killed, not only will the authorities be involved but lawyers will also likely get involved and they will also be interested to know if you had the authorization. Without the authorization, you are flying an aircraft type certificated for a minimum of 2 crew with only 1 crew.

3) Bring the corresponding FAA Exemption with you. The certificate form Flight Safety, SIMCOM, etc. will typically not be accepted by foreign civil aviation authorities without it. The Exemption is what grants the certificates form the training centers validity.

Unfortunately, we have seen a number of pilots run afoul of this issue which resulted in their aircraft being grounded, the passengers having to airline home and sizeable fines levied against the operator. Another potential issue is that you have an incident or accident where property is damaged and/or persons are injured or killed, attorneys will no doubt take great interest as to whether you received authorization form the country where the incident/accident occurred.

Please note that the CE501 and 551 aircraft are single pilot certified and do not fall under this topic

CST Flight Services (Formerly: Caribbean Sky Tours)
www.cstflightservices.com