Story ID: 
FAA To Tighten MU-2B Pilot Training
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: More stringent training requirements for pilots of Mitsubishi MU-2Bs will result from an FAA special safety review of the turboprop twin.
Word Count: 158
More stringent training requirements for pilots of Mitsubishi MU-2Bs will result from an FAA special safety review of the turboprop twin. The review, a portion of which was released today, was initiated last year following a series of MU-2B accidents. For Part 135 operators, the additional requirements will become part of their FAA-approved training syllabus and will be effective shortly. For Part 91 operators, which cover the vast majority of MU-2Bs, a special FAR will be promulgated through the usual rulemaking process. This is expected to take several months, despite the FAA saying it would “fast track” the process. Of the nearly 400 U.S.-registered MU-2Bs, 65 are operated under Part 135, primarily as cargo aircraft. The special safety review also has several mid- and long-term operational and maintenance goals, including proposed ADs, the first of which was published earlier this week. Under this proposed AD, visual inspections for cracked or corroded wing-attachment barrel nuts will be required.