Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The FAA is issuing a <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-19843.pdf">notice</a> that will prohibit single-pilot operation of certain Cessna Citations that normally require two pilots. These include Citation 500, S550, and certain 560 models. At the same time, current exemption holders are being notified that their exemptions will be rescinded.
The FAA has been granting exemptions for pilots to fly these certain Part 25-certified Citations with only one pilot since 1984, based on the lack of data showing there was a degradation of safety between one- and two-pilot operation of those jets.&nbsp;
However, in 2024 the FAA reviewed compliance with the exemptions and “found numerous instances of noncompliance with the [conditions and limitations] by holders of these exemptions,” according to the FAA notice. “In addition to the widespread non-compliance described above, a review of CE-500 accidents over the last 18 years indicates that, even with conservative assumptions about crew configuration, Part 25 CE-500 aircraft operated with a single pilot are involved in approximately twice the rate of accidents as Part 23 CE-500, 510 and 525 aircraft flown with a single pilot.”
The FAA also targeted training providers with exemptions, because the provider has no ongoing involvement with pilots operating under the exemption. “Thus, the pilot exercising the relief is likely unaware when the exemption expires or is terminated and may continue to conduct operations for which no relief exists, resulting in regulatory noncompliance.”

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

FAA Will Rescind and Cancel Cessna Citation Single-pilot Exemptions for Certain Models

Action comes after a review found widespread noncompliance and safety issues

Current exemption holders are being notified that their exemptions will be rescinded, and pilots who have received single-pilot endorsements from training providers will have to stop flying single-pilot.

FAA Rescinding Cessna Citation Single-pilot Exemptions

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Part 91 pilots would not have to wear masks "just in case," while 135 rules would allow higher altitudes

FAA Floats Allowing Jet Pilots To Forego Wearing O2 Masks

Curt Epstein

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Progam is tailored for the PC-12 and PC-24 community

APS Unveils Pilatus Aircraft Family Upset Recovery Course

Amy Wilder

Free three-day seminar open to all aviation professionals

Bombardier’s 30th Safety Standdown Opens Registration

The conference spanned two days for the first time in its history

NATA Ground Handling Safety Symposium Reaches a Decade

Chad Trautvetter

Preparation and judgement key for aviators

Ex-astronaut Touts Operational Excellence at CJP Confab

Kerry Lynch

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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FAA Floats Allowing Jet Pilots To Forego Wearing O2 Masks

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APS Unveils Pilatus Aircraft Family Upset Recovery Course

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