Flying Solo: 5 Different Single Pilot Jets

Typically, a commercial flight on a United StatesFederal Aviation Administration (FAA)Part 121 will be operated by two pilots, providing plenty of redundancy in case of emergency, such as one of the pilots being incapacitated while flying. However, some private jets, operating under either Part 91 or Part 135 regulations, can be flown by a single pilot, improving the economics of such aircraft substantially.

5

Cirrus Vision Jet SF50

Maximum advertised range: 1,275 nautical miles (2,361.3 kilometers)

Maximum passengers: seven

Not only can a single pilot fly the Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 private jet, but the aircraft also has a single jet engine, making it a unique entry on the list as other aircraft have two. Still, the aircraft, which Cirrus unveiled in 2008, seats up to seven people, according to the manufacturer. Its advertised maximum range was listed as 1,275 nautical miles (2,361.3 kilometers).

Another distinct feature of the aircraft is the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), a literal parachute built inside the private jet to help pilots and/or passengers recover the aircraft in case of a serious emergency. The parachutes have been deployed several times.

4

HondaJet Elite II

Maximum advertised range: 1,547 nautical miles (2,865 kilometers)

• Maximum passengers: seven

The HondaJet Elite II is the continuation of the Honda HA-420 HondaJet aircraft, which the company introduced in 2003. The latest iteration, the Elite II, was presented publicly at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2023. Then, the company said that the latest iteration of the aircraft bolsters HondaJet’s position as the most fuel-efficient private jet, flying further than any other aircraft in its class.

According to Hideto Yamasaki, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Honda Aircraft Company, the debut of the Elite II was an essential milestone for everyone who has worked at the company since it demonstrates its unwavering commitment to excellence.

“The HondaJet Elite II continues our dedication to exceeding the expectations of customers worldwide by setting new standards in performance, efficiency and comfort for the future of very light jets.”

The company’s advertised range of the Elite II was 1,547 NMI (2,865 km), depending on many factors, including the operating conditions. Including a single pilot, the jet can seat up to seven people, with a typical configuration being a single pilot plus six passengers. Nevertheless, the aircraft was already certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) when the company unveiled the HondaJet Elite II to the world.

3

Embraer Phenom 300E

Maximum advertised range: 2,010 nautical miles (3,723 kilometers)

Embraer upgraded the Phenom 300 to the Phenom 300E, delivering the first aircraft designated as the latter in June 2020. At the time, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer said that the unparalleled technology, exceptional comfort, and stunning performance of the private jet set the standard for the light jet category.

Compared to the Phenom 300, the Phenom 300E“aircraft received technology enhancements, including an avionics upgrade, which includes a runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS), […] predictive windshear, Emergency Descent Mode, PERF, TOLD, and FAA Datacom, among others.”

Naturally, the aircraft is certified to be flown by a single pilot, with Embraer advertising its range as 2,010 NMI (3,724 km) with five occupants and fuel reserves. The company has continued to upgrade the aircraft in the past few years.

For example, in October 2023, Embraer announced a new autothrottle feature for the Phenom 300E. The optional addition to the aircraft’s avionics is enabled by the Prodigy Touch, based on the Garmin G3000 system. The manufacturer explains that pilots will get a“more automated and intuitive flying experience through the autothrottle’s advanced automation technology, which will assist in throttle control during various phases of flight.”

2

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2

Maximum advertised range: 2,040 nautical miles (3,778 kilometers)

While the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 can seat fewer passengers, it just outclasses the Embraer Phenom 300E in terms of its maximum advertised range. Cessna cited the Citation CJ3 Gen2’s maximum range as 2,040 NMI (3,778 km), with the aircraft welcoming up to nine passengers with a single pilot.

However, the CJ3 Gen2 is scheduled to enter service in 2025. Textron, the parent company of Cessna, announced the latest iteration of the Citation CJ3 at the National Business Aviation Association—Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in October 2023, presenting it together with another Citation aircraft, the Citation XLS Gen2.

Still, the manufacturer’s product page about the CJ3 Gen2 said that the aircraft would be certified for single-pilot operations, offering savings for operators that would otherwise have to employ a pair of pilots, driving up their operating expenses.

1

Pilatus PC-24

Maximum advertised range: 2,040 nautical miles (3,778 kilometers)

In October 2023, Pilatus, the Switzerland-based private jet and turboprop aircraft manufacturer, announced a new iteration of the PC-24, its only business jet product currently on the market. At the time, the company said that starting in 2024, the PC-24 would be upgraded with additional payload-range capabilities, achieving a maximum range of 2,040 NMI (3,778 km).

Still, as one might have guessed, the Pilatus PC-24 can be operated with a single pilot, even if the aircraft is the largest in terms of capacity out of this list. According to the Swiss company, ten passengers can fit into the cabin of a PC-24 in a commuter configuration, being ferried across the globe by a single pilot.