Aero-TV: Learning The Truth About The MU-2 SFAR

Let's Talk About The MU-2 With An Expert... ANN has always found the controversy over the airworthiness of the MU-2 an argument of political hype over reality. Much maligned over a number of highly visible accidents (often hyped by some politicos with an aviation-ignorant agenda), the truth of the matter is that the MU-2 is a hell of an airplane... and PROPERLY trained and flown, this is a serious working airplane. To separate the "Bravo Sierra" from the reality of the matter, ANN and Aero-TV interviewed and flew with MU-2 expert Pat Cannon to detail the TRUE nature of this airplane and the community that has grown around it... especially in light of the recent SFAR actions. After receiving numerous comments from both private and commercial operators of the Mitsubishi MU-2 turboprop -- as well as owner representatives, and the plane's manufacturer -- the FAA has gone forward with its call for a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) calling for new pilot training, experience, and operating requirements for the speedy aircraft. The final rule mandates a comprehensive standardized pilot training program for the MU-2. The regulation requires use of a standardized cockpit checklist and the latest revision of the Airplane Flight Manual. MU-2 operators also must have a working autopilot onboard except in certain limited circumstances. Owners and operators must comply with the SFAR within a year. The FAA's requirements follow an increased accident and incident rate in the MU-b over the past four years, and are based on a safety evaluation of the MU-2 conducted by the agency since July 2005. This SFAR mandates additional training, experience, and operating requirements to improve the level of operational safety for the MU-2. "The FAA studies enormous amounts of data looking for trends," said FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Nick Sabatini. "When we saw the rising accident rate for the MU-2, we decided to take appropriate actions to bring the plane up to an acceptable level of safety." In its ...

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• aero
• aircraft
• airline
• airplane
• airport
• bizav
• bizjet
• bolen
• faa
• mitsubishi
• mu
• mu2b
• nbaa
• news
• pilot
• plane
• tv

[xfernydrummerX]

i'd love to take an MU-2 for a ride, hopefully in a couple of years i have enough money to pay for the training and who knows? maybe enough to start paying for the Mitsu! is there a minimum of hours required to fly the MU-2?

[BorisBadenov88]

I've flown several turboprops and a couple of jets (not to mention plenty of pistons), and I wouldn't take one of them over an MU-2 (1400 hours PIC in them). Fast, capable, built extra tough (look at the bulkheads on a Mitsi vs. the bulkheads on a Kingair). It's not just a "good" airplane, it's an EXCELLENT airplane. It's a victim of the poor pilots who are portrayed as it's victims. Go faster, land shorter, burn less gas than a Kingair? What's not to like?

[roeslerswiss]

@mjd4277 Absolutely truth!!! Its A great aircraft...outstanding performance, you can make things in a MU-2 that no other turboprop can!

[mjd4277]

Flying the MU-2 can be a great experience if the PROPER TRAINING and OPERATIONAL procedures are followed to the letter. This could be said for any complex aircraft,especially a twin engine turboprop. The only thing most aircraft can't stand is a bad pilot.

[msjr777]

@msjr777 , That's holds up to 7,000 (3 1/2tons) pounds. floor strap net hooks, hollow body with reinforced walls (whats on the out is in the inside). Range 500nm one way.

[msjr777]

did you ever think about bay doors into rear. like the bigger planes.and close off the windows on the sides.

[Coffeeforevah]

I have never flown an MU2, rode many MU2's many models, handled the controls once for a quick feel, short field take off and landings, all I can say is I love the ride and the speed. And the smell of Jet Fuel burning

[klesmer]

You just hit the nail on the head. The MU-2 is a great airplane.

[dmark1]

eugenioosorio have you ever flown in the airplane or flown the airplane> You are a typical non nothing who makes opinions based on "what he has heard" from his "friend who flies 182's" .. Basically you are full of shit.

A REAL MU2 pilot knows that this is an awesome airplane. Go fly your paper airplanes....

'

Mark

[12Jetdiver55]

I flew the aircraft for 6.5 years single pilot. Good aircraft. I flew 4 nights a week, one engine failure. Excellent aircraft, but not for a candy-ass.