Question 1

1) What is the CE-500 SIC Type Rating?

Accepted Answer

The CE‑500 SIC Type Rating allows you to act as second in command on any Citation 500 series aircraft (Citation I, II, S/II, Bravo, V, Ultra, Encore, etc.). It appears on your certificate as a type rating with the limitation “Second in Command Privileges Only.” Basic FAR 61.55 requirements (conceptual summary) In general, FAR 61.55 requires: Proper category and class ratings (e.g., airplane multiengine land). Instrument rating or instrument privileges if flying IFR. Ground training (familiarization) on the airplane’s systems, limitations, normal and emergency procedures (61.55(b)(1)). At least one training flight with a qualified PIC covering specific tasks listed in 61.55(b)(2) (takeoffs/landings, basic maneuvers and procedures, etc.).

Question 2

2) How courses are typically structured

Accepted Answer

Several training providers in the U.S. offer CE‑500 SIC courses under 61.55, usually along these lines: Ground school: systems, performance, limitations, normal/abnormal/emergency procedures, CRM and SOPs for two‑pilot operation. Flight training in a CE‑500: often 1–2 hours, including takeoffs/landings, engine‑out scenarios, IFR procedures and two‑pilot cockpit management. Result: your certificate is reissued with the CE‑500 type rating annotated/limited to SIC privileges only.

Question 3

3) What are the differences between SIC Type Rating and Full Type Rating?

Accepted Answer

Privileges SIC Type Rating (“SIC Privileges Only”): Authorizes you to act only as second in command on that airplane type. It does not allow you to act as PIC on that type. Full Type Rating (PIC type rating): Authorizes you to act as pilot in command on aircraft that require a type rating (turbojets and large aircraft under U.S. rules). Training and checkride requirements SIC Type Rating under 61.55: Requires a ground familiarization course and at least one flight covering minimum tasks (takeoffs, landings, basic maneuvers, possibly engine‑out work). For a pure SIC‑only limitation, there is typically no dedicated FAA practical test/checkride required; the instructor or training provider documents completion of 61.55 requirements and the rating/limitation is issued accordingly. Full PIC Type Rating: Requires a full type rating course (ground plus simulator and/or aircraft). You must pass a complete practical test (checkride) to type‑rating standards with an examiner, demonstrating full PIC capabilities (normal, abnormal, emergency procedures, instrument work, engine‑out, etc.). Time and training load SIC Type Rating: Can be completed in a short period (often 1–2 days or even less in some operations), because the regulatory requirements are relatively minimal compared to PIC. Full Type Rating: Usually takes significantly longer: days to a couple of weeks depending on the program, often at major training centers (CAE, FlightSafety, or specialized Citation schools). Operational use (U.S. and international context) SIC Type Rating: In practice, it is most important for international operations where compliance with ICAO‑style type rating conventions is scrutinized; in many strictly domestic U.S. situations, an SIC may legally operate without an SIC type annotation as long as 61.55 qualifications are met. The SIC type rating makes your status clear and simplifies acceptance by foreign authorities and operators. Full Type Rating: Required whenever you will act as PIC on an aircraft/type that needs a type rating, regardless of domestic vs. international operations.

Question 4

What are the requirements to enroll in the CE-500 SIC Type Rating course?

Accepted Answer

To enroll in our CE-500 SIC Type Rating course you should hold:

• Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Multiengine Land rating
• Current Instrument Rating
• Current 1st Class FAA Medical Certificate
• Minimum 500 hours total time
• Minimum 50 hours multiengine

These minimums help us maintain the highest training quality and safety standards. Candidates slightly below them may still be accepted on a case-by-case basis after a personal evaluation by Captain Keith. (FAR 61.55 sets a lower legal baseline, but these are our program's enrollment standards.)

Question 5

How long does the course take to complete?

Accepted Answer

The online ground school can be completed at your own pace, typically in 2–5 days. The in-person flight training in Florida takes 1-2 hours. Most students complete the entire program within one week.

Question 6

Do I need any prior jet or turbine experience?

Accepted Answer

No prior jet or turbine experience is required. The ground school covers all CE-500 systems, and flight training is conducted with an experienced pilot-in-command who will guide you through every procedure.

Question 7

Where does the flight training take place?

Accepted Answer

The flight training is based at KHWO - North Perry Airport in Florida, offering excellent year-round flying weather and modern facilities.

Question 8

Is the CE-500 SIC Type Rating recognized internationally?

Accepted Answer

The type rating is issued by the FAA and recognized wherever FAA certificates are accepted. If you hold a foreign license, you may need to verify with your country's aviation authority how the rating transfers or is validated.

Question 9

Can I use this rating to build turbine time and advance my career?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many pilots use the SIC type rating as a stepping stone to build turbine PIC time, which is highly valued by airlines and corporate flight departments. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the jet world.

Question 10

What happens after I complete the course?

Accepted Answer

Upon successful completion, we submit the paperwork to the FAA. Your pilot certificate will be reissued with the CE-500 type rating and "Second in Command Privileges Only" limitation. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Question 11

Can I upgrade to a full PIC Type Rating later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The SIC type rating is a great foundation. You can pursue a full PIC type rating later with additional training and an FAA checkride, often at a reduced cost since you'll already be familiar with the aircraft.

Question 12

What aircraft does this type rating cover?

Accepted Answer

The CE-500 type rating covers the whole Citation 500 family — all of these share the same FAA pilot type rating, CE-500:

• Model 500 — Citation and Citation I

• Model 501 — Citation I/SP

• Model 550 — Citation II and Citation Bravo

• Model 551 — Citation II/SP

• Model S550 — Citation S/II

• Model 552 — Navy T-47A

• Model 560 — Citation V, Ultra, Encore and Encore+

So one CE-500 SIC type rating lets you act as second in command on any of them.

Other Citations need a different type rating:

• CE-510 — Citation Mustang (Model 510)

• CE-525 — CitationJet / CJ series and M2 (Models 525, 525A, 525B, 525C)

• CE-560XL — Citation Excel, XLS and XLS+ (Model 560XL)

• CE-650 — Citation III, VI and VII (Model 650)

• CE-680 — Citation Sovereign and Latitude (Models 680, 680A)

• CE-700 — Citation Longitude (Model 700)

• CE-750 — Citation X (Model 750)

Source: FAA Flight Standardization Board report for the CE-500 and FAA Order 8900.1 type rating designations.

Question 13

Can only American citizens study the CE-500 SIC Type Rating course?

Accepted Answer

No. U.S. citizenship is not required — eligibility is based on pilot qualifications, not nationality.

You'll generally need a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multiengine Land and Instrument ratings and a current 1st Class medical (see our Requirements section for the full list). The rating is issued by the FAA under FAR Part 61.55.

Non-U.S. citizens with foreign licenses can also train, but typically need to validate their license or obtain an FAA certificate first, and may need to apply through the TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) before flight training in the U.S. — we'll guide you through it.

The course also prepares you to be ICAO-qualified for SIC roles on any of the 11 models of the Citation 500 series worldwide.

Question 14

Is the CE-500 SIC Type Rating accepted in other countries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the CE-500 SIC Type Rating is internationally accepted — in fact, that is one of its main purposes. Here's a clear breakdown: Why it was created for international use The SIC Type Rating was introduced to align U.S. pilot certificates with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). While the rating is not required for domestic flight operations within the U.S., it becomes necessary for any pilot acting as SIC on a type-rated aircraft when flying internationally or into foreign airspace. The U.S. is the exception, not the rule Outside the United States, most nations require that both pilots of aircraft requiring two pilots possess a type rating. The United States is about the only country that doesn't require a type rating for both crew members. The SIC rating bridges that gap. ICAO-compliant worldwide The type rating on the certificate complies with ICAO requirements to fly anywhere in the world, and it qualifies pilots for SIC jobs in any of the 11 models of the Cessna Citation 500 series aircraft globally. ⚠️ Important caveat: While the FAA CE-500 SIC Type Rating is ICAO-compliant, individual countries may still require you to validate your FAA certificate with their national aviation authority (e.g., EASA in Europe, ANAC in Brazil) before exercising those privileges locally. Always check the specific requirements of the country where you intend to operate.

Question 15

How much does the Cessna Citation SIC type rating cost?

Accepted Answer

The CE-500 SIC type rating cost is $5,000, all-inclusive — online ground school plus flight training in a real Citation 500, with no hidden aircraft or fuel fees.

For comparison, a full PIC Citation type rating at a simulator center typically runs $20,000+. So if you're weighing Cessna Citation type rating cost across providers, the SIC route on the CE-500 is one of the most affordable doors into the jet — and you log genuine multi-crew turbine time under FAR Part 61.55. (Travel to Florida and lodging are not included.)

Question 16

Is there a checkride or practical test?

Accepted Answer

No FAA checkride is required for an SIC type rating under FAR 61.55. You complete the ground training and at least one training flight covering the required tasks; we then document completion and your certificate is reissued with the CE-500 type rating (Second in Command Privileges Only).

Question 17

Can I log the flight time, and does it count as turbine time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Time flown in the Citation is logged as multiengine turbine jet time. Turbine time is highly valued by airlines, charter (Part 135) operators, and corporate flight departments — which is why the SIC type rating is one of the most affordable ways to start building it.

Question 18

How is the CE-500 different from the CE-525 (CitationJet) rating?

Accepted Answer

The CE-500 covers the original Citation 500 series (Citation I, II, Bravo, V, Ultra, Encore, etc.), which are flown by two pilots — ideal for an SIC role. The CE-525 is a separate type rating for the single-pilot CitationJet (CJ) series. Our course is specifically the CE-500.

Question 19

How quickly can I start and finish?

Accepted Answer

The online ground school is available immediately and is self-paced (typically 2–5 days). Once you've completed it, we schedule your in-person flight training in Florida at a time that works for you. Most students finish the entire program within one week.

Question 20

What should I bring to the flight training?

Accepted Answer

Bring your pilot certificate, current medical certificate, a government-issued photo ID or passport, and your logbook. Foreign nationals should also have their TSA AFSP approval in place before the flight portion.

Question 21

Is lodging available near the training location?

Accepted Answer

The flight training takes place at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Hollywood, Florida, with many hotels nearby in the Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale area. Lodging and travel are not included in the course price, but we're happy to recommend convenient options.

Question 22

What is FAR 61.55?

Accepted Answer

FAR 61.55 (14 CFR 61.55) is the section of the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations that sets the second-in-command (SIC) qualification and training requirements for aircraft type certificated for more than one required pilot — or operated under rules that require an SIC. In plain terms, it's the rule that lets you legally serve as co-pilot (second in command) on aircraft like the Cessna Citation 500 series.
To act as SIC under FAR 61.55, a pilot generally must:
• Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings (for the Citation, airplane multiengine land).
• Hold an instrument rating, or instrument privileges, if the flight is conducted under IFR.
• Complete, within the previous 12 calendar months, ground training covering the aircraft's systems, performance, limitations, and normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures, plus crew coordination (CRM).
• Complete flight training in that type of aircraft on the required maneuvers and procedures — takeoffs and landings, basic flight maneuvers, engine-out work as applicable, and normal/abnormal/emergency procedures.
Importantly, a pure SIC type rating under FAR 61.55 does not require an FAA practical test (checkride). Your instructor and training provider document completion of the requirements, and your certificate is reissued with the type rating annotated "Second in Command Privileges Only."
Our CE-500 SIC Type Rating course is built to satisfy all FAR 61.55 SIC type rating requirements — online ground school plus practical flight training in a real Citation in Florida, for $5,000 all-inclusive. (Always confirm details against the current FAA regulation, as rules can change.)

Question 23

What is an SIC type rating?

Accepted Answer

An SIC (second-in-command) type rating is an endorsement added to your pilot certificate that authorizes you to act as co-pilot on a specific type of aircraft that requires a type rating — without authorizing you to act as pilot in command (PIC) on that type. It appears on your certificate with the limitation "Second in Command Privileges Only."

The SIC type rating was introduced largely to align U.S. certificates with international (ICAO) standards: most countries require both pilots of a two-pilot aircraft to hold a type rating, even though the U.S. domestic rules are more flexible. The SIC type rating bridges that gap and makes you clearly qualified for SIC roles worldwide.

For most pilots, the bigger appeal is career growth: an SIC type rating is one of the most affordable, fastest ways to enter the jet world and start building turbine time — experience that airlines, Part 135 charter operators, and corporate flight departments value highly. Our Citation CE-500 SIC type rating delivers exactly that, in a real jet, for $5,000 all-inclusive.

Question 24

How much does an SIC type rating cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an SIC type rating depends on the aircraft type and the provider, but it is far cheaper than a full PIC type rating because it requires less training and no checkride. For the Cessna Citation 500 series, U.S. providers typically charge somewhere around $5,000–$7,000 for an SIC type rating, while full PIC type ratings at major simulator centers can run $20,000 or more.

Our Citation CE-500 SIC type rating cost is $5,000, all-inclusive — one price covers our complete online ground school and all required practical flight training hours in our own Citation, with no hidden aircraft, fuel, or instructor add-on fees. (Travel to Florida and lodging are not included.) It's one of the most cost-effective ways to earn a jet type rating and begin building turbine time.

Question 25

What is a jet type rating, and how is the Citation SIC type rating different?

Accepted Answer

A jet type rating is an aircraft-specific certification the FAA requires to fly turbojet (and large) aircraft. It comes in two forms: a full PIC type rating, which lets you act as pilot in command and requires a complete course plus a practical test (checkride); and an SIC type rating, which authorizes you to fly as second in command only and, under FAR 61.55, does not require a checkride.

If your goal is to break into jets affordably, build turbine time, and strengthen your résumé for an airline or charter career, the SIC path is the smart first step. The Citation CE-500 SIC type rating is one of the most accessible and affordable jet type ratings available — earned in a real Citation in Florida for $5,000 all-inclusive, with no prior jet experience required.

Question 26

Where can I get Cessna Citation flight training?

Accepted Answer

We provide Cessna Citation flight training at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Hollywood, Florida — in actual Citation aircraft (N31LW and N74LL), not a simulator. The program combines a self-paced online ground school (systems, performance, limitations, and normal/abnormal/emergency procedures for the Citation 500 series) with hands-on flight training led by an experienced Citation captain.

It's designed for pilots pursuing a CE-500 SIC type rating under FAR 61.55, and the all-inclusive price is $5,000. Florida's year-round flying weather means scheduling is flexible, and most students complete the entire program within one week.

Question 27

What does a FAR 61.55 SIC type rating endorsement look like? (Example)

Accepted Answer

The wording comes from the regulation itself. 61.55(d)(2) states what the endorsement must say — that the applicant "has demonstrated the skill and knowledge required for the safe operation of the [Type of Aircraft], relevant to the duties and responsibilities of a second in command." It is not in AC 61-65K, which carries no sample endorsement for 61.55 at all.

We set out the full template, a filled-in CE-500 example, who is allowed to sign it, and what the rule does not require, on our FAR 61.55 page: See the endorsement example in full.

Question 28

Is the Citation Mustang type rating the same as the CE-500 SIC type rating?

Accepted Answer

No — they're different ratings for different airplanes. The Citation Mustang is the Cessna Model 510 (CE-510), a very light jet certified for single-pilot operation, so it carries its own separate type rating (CE-510 / CE-510S).

Our program covers the CE-500 type rating — the original Citation 500 series (Citation I, II, Bravo, V, Ultra, Encore, and similar), which are two-pilot aircraft. That two-pilot certification is exactly why a Second-in-Command (SIC) type rating applies to the CE-500 and not to the single-pilot Mustang.

So if you specifically need the Mustang (CE-510) rating, that's a different course. But if your goal is to break into jets affordably and log genuine multi-crew turbine time, the CE-500 SIC type rating is one of the most cost-effective doors into the Citation family — in a real jet, in Florida, under FAR Part 61.55. Many pilots start here before moving on to other Citation types.

Question 29

Are the Citation aircraft used for training your own?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both Citation I jets (N31LW and N74LL) used in our CE-500 SIC type rating program are owned by our flight instructor, Keith Siilats. You train in his own, professionally maintained aircraft — not a leased jet you've never seen, and not a simulator.

That ownership matters: consistent, well-kept airplanes, real in-aircraft turbine time in your logbook, and one-on-one training directly with the captain who owns and flies them. It's a big part of why pilots choose to train with us in Florida, under FAR Part 61.55.

Question 30

Do you sell Citation aircraft?

Accepted Answer

We are always open to talking about Citation sales and acquisitions. If you are looking for a Citation Bravo for sale, we currently have one available — reach out to us on WhatsApp for details and pricing.

Question 31

Does the FAA's September 2026 single-pilot rule affect this course?

Accepted Answer

Not the course itself, but it makes it more relevant. Since September 29, 2026, the FAA no longer allows the Citation I, II, V, Bravo, Ultra and Encore to be flown by a single pilot on an exemption endorsement: every flight needs a pilot in command and a second in command qualified under FAR 61.55. That right-seat qualification is exactly what our CE-500 SIC type rating trains. The full details are on our page about the FAA's decision.

Question 32

I trained or fly in Europe (EASA licence). Can I do the CE-500 SIC type rating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will need an FAA pilot certificate (the FAA can issue one based on your European licence), our enrollment minimums and TSA approval before the flight training. We explain the whole path, step by step, on our page for European pilots.

Licence	Minimum age	Medical
LAPL — Light Aircraft Pilot Licence	17	LAPL medical
PPL — Private Pilot Licence	17	Class 2
CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence	18	Class 1
ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence	21	Class 1

	Europe (EASA)	United States (FAA)
Rules	Part-FCL / Part-MED (Regulation (EU) 1178/2011)	14 CFR Part 61 / Part 67
Licences	LAPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL (+ MPL)	Private, Commercial, ATP
Who issues them	Each country's authority (DGAC, LBA…)	The FAA
Second pilot on a two-pilot jet	Needs a type rating for the aircraft	Qualified under FAR 61.55; the SIC type rating is needed for flights outside the U.S.

How aviation works in Europe, and how European pilots earn a CE-500 SIC type rating

Who regulates aviation in Europe

The European licence ladder (aeroplanes)

Where it often starts: the French BIA

Europe vs. the United States, in one table

Can a European pilot do the CE-500 SIC type rating?