Week to Wednesday, 30 September 2026
FAA ends single-pilot Citation exemptions, voiding pilot endorsements from 29 September
The FAA has ended single-pilot operation across eight Cessna Citation variants. A policy statement published on 28 September took effect the following day. The agency will stop issuing the exemptions that let one pilot fly transport-category CE-500 series aeroplanes certificated for a crew of two. Rescissions go to the training providers that still hold a valid exemption.
The notice lists the Model 500, the Model 550 Citation II, the Model 550 Bravo, the Model S550 Citation S/II, the Model 552, the Model 560 Citation V and Ultra, the Model 560 Encore and the Model 560 Encore+. Each weighs more than 12,500 pounds. Under 14 CFR 91.9 and 91.531 they must now be flown with a second in command.
Pilots carrying logbook endorsements issued under the exemptions have no relief left. The FAA told them the endorsement is no longer valid and they must return to two-pilot operation. A pilot who completed a 14 CFR 61.58 proficiency check while complying with the exemption's conditions may still count it towards the pilot-in-command requirement.
The first CE-500 single-pilot exemption went to Cessna in 1984. A compliance review opened in 2024 found incomplete records, required flight training conducted in an advanced aviation training device against the conditions of the exemption, and improper checks by designated pilot examiners that included falsified records. Thirteen of the 14 Part 61 exemption holders were denied an extension or had their exemption rescinded.
The agency also cited accident data. Across CE-500 accidents over the last 18 years, Part 25 aeroplanes flown single-pilot were involved at roughly twice the rate of Part 23 CE-500, 510 and 525 aircraft flown single-pilot. AOPA asked the FAA on 29 September to withdraw the blanket action and rescind only the non-compliant holders.
Source: Federal Register; AOPA.
Also this week
FAA proposes dropping the oxygen mask requirement above FL350 for Part 91
The FAA wants to relax when pilots must wear an oxygen mask. A proposal published on 24 September would delete 14 CFR 91.211(b)(2) and lift the FL410 ceiling on the existing exception. No pilot of a pressurised aircraft under Part 91 would have to wear a mask above FL350 where quick-donning masks, fitted with one hand inside five seconds, sit on the flight deck. Part 135 thresholds would rise from FL350 to FL410 with two pilots at the controls, and from FL250 to FL350 with one. Comments close on 23 November.
Source: Federal Register, 24 September 2026.
FAA proposes engine firewall modification across Dauphin and EC155 fleets
The FAA has proposed an engine compartment firewall modification on 43 US helicopters. The notice of 28 September covers all Airbus Helicopters AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155 B, EC 155 B1, SA 365 N and SA 365 N1 machines. An investigation into an engine compartment fire found gaps between the seals and the engine cowling. Inadequate sealing could let fire spread from one engine compartment to another and cut the effectiveness of the extinguishing agent. Angle-brackets would be fitted along the firewalls at up to $32,870 per helicopter, or $1,413,410 across the US fleet. Comments close on 12 November.
Source: Federal Register, 28 September 2026.
FAA revises Global 7500 airworthiness limits proposal, comments close 26 October
The FAA has reissued its airworthiness limits proposal for the Bombardier Global 7500. A supplemental notice published on 24 September cites new material for revising the maintenance or inspection programme, which the agency links to reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability. Transport Canada superseded its own directive in November 2025, narrowing applicability to exclude aeroplanes built with the change already incorporated. The FAA now counts 58 aeroplanes on the US register, at an average $7,650 per operator for 90 work-hours. NetJets and Bombardier both said the cited revision submission is an internal document not issued to operators.
Source: Federal Register, 24 September 2026.
FAA orders EC135 flight manual warning on gearbox oil loss
A new directive requires 106 US-registered EC135 helicopters to carry a gearbox warning. The FAA adopted it on 28 September, effective 13 October. It follows a finding that main gearbox oil loss might not trigger the low pressure caution or warning light. The rotorcraft flight manual must take updated emergency, malfunction and normal procedures, plus a warning that pilots monitor gearbox oil pressure and temperature vigilantly. An owner holding at least a private pilot certificate may make the revision and enter it in the maintenance records. The FAA puts the cost at $85 per helicopter and $9,010 fleet-wide.
Source: Federal Register, 28 September 2026.
FAA proposes repetitive ball pivot checks across 377 EC135 helicopters
A second EC135 proposal would add repetitive inspections of the ball pivot. Published on 29 September, it would supersede the directive the FAA issued in 2025 after a broken yaw actuator control rod caused a loss of tail rotor control. The manufacturer has since developed a repetitive ball pivot inspection. Each inspection runs two work-hours, $170 per helicopter and $64,090 across the US fleet, alongside checks of the yaw actuator interface connections, the control rod and freedom of movement. Results go back to the FAA. Comments close on 13 November.
Source: Federal Register, 29 September 2026.
Nav Canada attributable delays fell 85 per cent over the summer
Nav Canada delays at the four busiest Canadian airports fell sharply this summer. From 1 May to 31 August the share of scheduled flights hit by a traffic management initiative where Nav Canada staffing or equipment was a factor fell from 1.54 per cent to 0.24 per cent across Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau, Calgary and Vancouver. Vancouver improved most in absolute terms, from 4.42 to 0.64 per cent, and Calgary most in proportion, from 1.16 to 0.05 per cent. The four handled 394,919 flights against 391,245 in 2025. The controller staffing gap stood near 170 below target on 31 August.
Source: Nav Canada, 28 September 2026.
