Single pilot passenger aircraft

I’m not sure about the FAA having a thing about jets, they seem to be the only regulatory authority that allows it.

By that I meant they require jets to have two person crew…unless the jets are specifically approved for one pilot…and not many are. Back in the 70s it was a huge deal for Cessna approved for one pilot.

And yes, part 135 is commercial.

For N registered stuff – I think FAR 135 covers non-commercial flight crew needs for all private jets from A380 downwards…

I thought non-commercial private jets, if big, are under FAR 125. FAR 135 is commercial.

For N registered stuff – I think FAR 135 covers non-commercial flight crew needs for all private jets from A380 downwards…

Again – yes, on a public transport C of A carrying passengers. I personally know a couple of pilots who fly N registered Citations on an FAA ticket in this country.
1 or 2 citaiton models however, are not certified for SPO.
I’m not sure about the FAA having a thing about jets, they seem to be the only regulatory authority that allows it.

Yes, if it’s N registered and the pilots have an FAA license then they can be flown single pilot.

Really, for commercial purposes?
I’m surprised at that for Citations, the others, no problem. But as I said, the FAA has a thing about jets.

Because if that single pilot has a heart attack there’s nobody to fly the plane. This is why the CAA won’t endorse it. Quite why the FAA endorse it I have no idea.

With a lot of the passenger jets,the auto-pilot system seems so advance I could never understand 3 people in the cockpit anyway.With an Emergency,one pilot seemed to cope just fine,down to safety regulations apparently.

Yes, if it’s N registered and the pilots have an FAA license then they can be flown single pilot.

To further answer your question, aircraft that I know of that can operate single pilot are
Most Cessna Citation ranges

But can they be flown for commercial purposes with just one pilot?
I don’t think so…(could be wrong, I’m not geting a Citation for Christmas this year so I haven’t been paying attention).
The FAA gets real weird when it comes to jets.

Moderator Message

A quick search would have revealed a fairly recent thread on this very subject.

I’m going to merge the two.

GA

I dont like the idea of single pilot operations. Thats alright for those of us who currently fly GA but once we join an airline i’d prefer to work as a crew rather than alone. Afterall, it becomes a problem if the pilot falls ill or ends up unconscious. I know these situations are rare, but they have happened in the past and the flights landed safely thanks to there being another pilot. Going to single pilot ops wouldnt be such a good idea, just a cost cutting measure.

Single-pilot Ops

Hi guys. I am currently in my final year studying Aviation Technology at Salford university and as part of my final year project i am looking into future single-pilot aircraft for wide-commercial use. I know that there are certified single pilot aircraft such as the Embraer Phenom, however i am looking at the idea being adopted into larger aircraft that are capable of carrying more passengers such as a 737. As a trainee pilot myself i am against the idea, however, with recent speculation and controversial issues i thought it would be an interesting project. Your thoughts and views are much appreciated and i have created a small, basic survey you can answer to help me gain a better understanding of public opinion:

http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=HCMINH_4d5296bd

Thanks!

Bandit Max weight 12,500lbs so it could be flown single crew.

Embraer Bandeirante was single pilot with JEA

That would be a two crew aircraft.

Embraer Brasilia?

I think some of the Isles of scilly skybus BN Islanders sometimes fly flights with a single pilot.

Well you don’t really want to be hobnobbing with the servants do you?

Moggy

Not sure of the current regs but years ago I flew in an Air Westward (or Westward Airways?) Cessna 404 with only one up front… Exeter to Gatwick. I was offered a choice of sitting by the pilot or in the back and chose the back seat. Still don’t know why!!

Usually planes above 12,500lbs gross weight require 2 crew. Below that weight can depend, as indicated by Deano.