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  • Single Person Flying A Jet?

    I know most jets require 2 pilots but is it possible for a single person to fly a jet? Most likely a businessman who needs to have his own jet to travel is what i'm talking about

  • #2
    Some models of the Cessna Citation line are certified for single pilot operations. They are identified by an "SP" designation following the model number. These aircraft have a different cockpit layout than the standard Citation models so that all critical controls and circuit breakers are within reach of the left seat. The pilot must be type rated in the aircraft and certified for single pilot operations. The autopilot must be functional and the pilot must have a functioning headset with boom microphone and an operating push to talk switch on the yoke. If these restrictions are not met due to non-operational or missing equipment then a copilot must be on the flight even on SP models.

    Of course many military jets fly with a single pilot as well. Some new corporate jets in development are also being planned for single pilot operations. No jet with over 19 seats can be certified for single pilot operations.

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    • #3
      But theoretically, can a jet like a 747 be flown by one person (assume that there were no FAA regulations existing).
      "The Director also sets the record straight on what would happen if oxygen masks were to drop from the ceiling: The passengers freak out with abandon, instead of continuing to chat amiably, as though lunch were being served, like they do on those in-flight safety videos."

      -- The LA Times, in a review of 'Flightplan'

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      • #4
        Originally posted by indian airlines
        But theoretically, can a jet like a 747 be flown by one person (assume that there were no FAA regulations existing).
        Probably the 200s would be a challenge but the new modern cockpit ones would be single pilotable.

        By the way not sure if pilotable is actually a word but if not it is now.
        Try to catch me flyin dirty...

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        • #5
          Originally posted by mikecweb
          Originally posted by indian airlines
          But theoretically, can a jet like a 747 be flown by one person (assume that there were no FAA regulations existing).
          Probably the 200s would be a challenge but the new modern cockpit ones would be single pilotable.

          By the way not sure if pilotable is actually a word but if not it is now.
          If certificated is a word, then so is pilotable.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by indian airlines
            But theoretically, can a jet like a 747 be flown by one person (assume that there were no FAA regulations existing).
            One of the reasons that commercial flights still have multiple flight deck crew is for redundancy. If one crewmember is unable to perform his/her duties the remaining crew should still be able to safely land the aircraft and terminate the flight safely. Obviously not all controls can be reached from either seat, but critical controls can be or they are duplicated so as to be within reach of either pilot. The major exception to this is usually the ground steering tiller. However if a copilot was to land without a functional captain it would be a declared emergency and he/she would be authorized to simply stop on the runway.

            This does not mean that the movie version of things where a guy who is taking flying lessons has to take over and land a 747 after the flight crew was disabled is feasible. (Think Kurt Russell in "Executive Decision.") About the best that could be hoped for in that kind of scenario would be a controlled crash that would minimize the injuries, and even that would take a lot of help over the radio from an experienced 747 pilot.

            It really comes down to knowing the aircraft and being properly rated in it. If you are then by all means you should be able to operate it safely by yourself, at least for long enough to safely reach an airport.

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            • #7
              As said before, many Citations can be flown single pilot. The newer ones designated as SP, while older ones are "01". Most of the ultra light jets being produced now, like the Premier, are all single pilot capable.

              To be single pilot qualified, the pilot has to attend recurrent training every six months, rather than every year. Also, insurance rates can be high as hell.

              A Citation 500 is a two pilot airplane, while a 501 is single pilot. The cockpit layout is a bit different, but the aircraft is basically the same.

              I've known people who have flown Lears single pilot before. Bill Lear originally wanted the 23 to be certified for single pilot. If you look in the cockpit of one, you will notice that the engine gages, gear switch, and many other things are all on the pilots side. After the Feds smacked one while certifying the airplane, they declared that it would always be a two crew aircraft. The later models in the 20 series have a panel layout more suited to two crew ops, with the gages in the middle. The Sabre has been flown single pilot in the military. All the switches are located within easy reach of the captain except the pressurization selector. The engine gages and gear handle are all on the captain's side.

              As far as modern airliners, I would say no problem, its just illegal as hell.
              Bite me Airways.....

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              • #8
                which cessna citation's could be flown by a single person?

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                • #9
                  Nothing to add on the relevant details supplied by Freightdogg and LRJGuy.
                  Regards
                  Alain
                  Thanks for visiting
                  *Avimage's Monthly Slide list *
                  *JetPhotos*
                  Airliners*Pbase.com

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                  • #10
                    What about a Cessna 172?

                    Just a quick question this one, can a Cessna 172 be flown with one pilot or does it have to have two like most aircraft?

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                    • #11
                      Re: What about a Cessna 172?

                      Originally posted by G-DALE
                      Just a quick question this one, can a Cessna 172 be flown with one pilot or does it have to have two like most aircraft?
                      it can be flown with 1. thats how most people solo if they don't have 152's

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