[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 173 (Wednesday, September 7, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61583-61595]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21356]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 61583]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 135
[Docket No.: FAA-2006-24981; Amdt. Nos. 61-138, 91-344, and 135-134]
RIN 2120-AK63
MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements Update
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This action relocates and updates the content of SFAR No. 108
to the newly created subpart N of part 91 in order to improve the
safety of operating the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) MU-2B series
airplane. SFAR No. 108 will be eliminated from the Code of Federal
Regulations on November 7, 2017, after which time all MU-2B operators
must comply with this subpart. The FAA is relocating the training
program from the SFAR No. 108 appendices to advisory material in order
to allow the FAA to update policy while ensuring significant training
adjustments still go through notice-and-comment rulemaking. The FAA is
also correcting and updating several inaccurate maneuver profiles to
reflect current FAA training philosophy and adding new FAA procedures
not previously part of the MU-2B training under SFAR No. 108. This rule
will require all MU-2B training programs to meet the requirements of
this subpart and to be approved by the FAA to ensure safety is
maintained. As a result of this action, operators, training providers,
and safety officials will have more timely access to standardized,
accurate training material.
DATES: This rule is effective on September 7, 2016, except for the
removal of SFAR No. 108 to part 91 which is effective on November 7,
2017. The compliance date for this final rule is November 7, 2016. The
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule
is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 7,
2016.
Submit comments on or before November 7, 2016.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2006-24981
using any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions
for accessing the docket or Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the
West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning
this action, contact Joseph Hemler, Commercial Operations Branch,
Flight Standards Service, AFS-820, Federal Aviation Administration, 55
M Street SE., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20003-3522; telephone (202)
267-1100; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Although the FAA is inviting comments, we have made the
determination to adopt this final rule without prior notice and public
comment in order to mitigate the safety risks where current Special
Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 108 conflicts with the FAA's
current policy and guidance. The Regulatory Policies and Procedures of
the Department of Transportation (DOT), 44 FR 1134 (February 26, 1979),
provide that to the maximum extent possible, operating administrations
for the DOT should provide an opportunity for public comment on
regulations issued without prior notice.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code (U.S.C.). Subtitle I, Section 106
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
Requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charged the FAA with
prescribing regulations that set the minimum standards for practices,
methods, and procedures necessary for safety in air commerce. This
regulation is within the scope of that authority because it will set
the minimum level of safety for operation of the Mitsubishi MU-2B.
SFAR No. 108 contained inaccurate MU-2B flight training profiles,
and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that
the FAA remedy these inaccuracies as soon as is practical due to
serious safety concerns (NTSB Rec. A-14-96 and -97). The FAA concludes
that immediate action is necessary to correct the inaccuracies in SFAR
No. 108 and, therefore, finds that notice and public comment under 5
U.S.C. 553(b) are impracticable and contrary to the public interest.
Further, the FAA finds that good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for
making this rule effective immediately upon publication.
[[Page 61584]]
I. Final Rule With Request for Comments
Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 108 mandated training,
experience, and operating requirements to improve the safety of
operating the MHI MU-2B series airplane. The SFAR contained inaccurate
training maneuver profiles and is misaligned with current FAA flight
training policy. This action corrects safety-related inaccuracies in
the regulation and streamlines the process for updating MU-2B flight
training requirements by removing them from regulations and placing
them in advisory material. This change will permit the FAA to be more
responsive by issuing guidance should any inaccuracies be discovered or
should training requirements or policy need to be revised and updated
in the future. As a result of this action, pilots, operators, training
providers, and safety officials will have more timely and accurate
training material.
II. Background
A. Background
In 2008, the FAA published SFAR No. 108 to mandate flight training
and experience requirements for operators of the MHI MU-2B twin-
turboprop aircraft. The rule became effective in 2009 and did not have
an expiration date. The flight training and experience requirements
were based on an FAA safety evaluation of the aircraft, which has
unique control surfaces and characteristics. There is a fleet of
approximately 300 aircraft operating today in accordance with 14 CFR
parts 91 and 135. In the 20 years leading up to SFAR No. 108, the MU-2B
series aircraft experienced 80 accidents with 40 fatalities. Since the
effective date of SFAR No. 108, there have only been two fatal
accidents. In addition to experience and annual training requirements
for pilots, SFAR No. 108 mandated training curriculum and flight
profiles for operators and training providers.
Following the issuance of SFAR No. 108 on February 5, 2008, with a
compliance date of February 5, 2009, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of
America (MHIA) and Turbine Aircraft Services (TAS), an industry party,
began an evaluation to identify errors in flight profiles published in
SFAR No. 108. At that time, minor spelling errors and technical items
were identified. Additionally, MHIA and TAS notified the FAA of at
least one error in procedure in the One Engine Inoperative Maneuvering
Loss of Directional Control (Vmc Demonstration) profile.
Additionally, since the publication of SFAR No. 108, the FAA has
approved the use of Continued Descent Final Approach (CDFA) procedures
in all training programs, including the training programs for the MU-
2B. The MU-2B FAA Flight Standardization Board (FSB) \1\ subsequently
included CDFA profiles in its FSB Report for use in MU-2B training
programs. Because the FAA did not include CDFA procedures in SFAR No.
108, pilots were not permitted to train on these procedures or operate
the aircraft consistent with them.
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\1\ An FSB's primary responsibility is to determine requirements
for pilot type ratings, to develop minimum training recommendations,
and to ensure flight crew member competency. 8900.1, Volume 8,
Chapter 2, Section 5.
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In 2012, the FAA revised its stall recognition and recovery
procedures for all aircraft and all training programs by removing the
emphasis to ensure a ``minimum loss of altitude'' when performing stall
training maneuvers and by emphasizing a positive reduction in angle of
attack procedure as the proper stall recovery method (Advisory Circular
(AC) 120-109). The FAA also introduced the use of ``startle factor''
training through the use of the autopilot during stall recognition and
recovery practice in all aircraft training programs. However, the FAA
did not include the ``startle factor'' training in SFAR No. 108.
Both MHIA and TAS requested by letter in early 2012 that the FAA
change the MU-2B flight training profiles in SFAR No. 108 and make them
consistent with the new stall recognition and recovery procedures. They
also suggested the FAA remove the flight training maneuver profiles
from SFAR No. 108, for ease of subsequent modification in the event of
regulatory or training procedural changes made by the FAA. The FAA
recognized that proper stall recognition and recovery is a safety-of-
flight concern and concurred that distributing information on how to
recover from a stall was essential to proper MU-2B training and safety
of flight.
B. Statement of the Problem
There were a number of conflicts between SFAR No. 108 and best
practices and FAA guidance, which demonstrate a better safety record.
The FAA's Kansas City Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) \2\ and MHI have
documented that the SFAR conflicted with new and revised FAA training
requirements, policy, guidance and safe operating practices set forth
in the Airline Transport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS),
Commercial Pilot PTS, FAA Notice N8900.205, Enhanced Stall and Stick
Pusher Training; Advisory Circular (AC) 120-109, Stall and Stick Pusher
Training, and AC 120-108, Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA).
SFAR No. 108 conflicted with FAA guidance in the following instances:
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\2\ The AEG serves as Flight Standard Service (AFS) technical
subject matter experts for operational and engineering activities.
8900.1, Volume 8, Chapter 2, Section 2.
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First, SFAR No. 108 mandated power and trim settings for the
demonstration of a one-engine-inoperative maneuver with loss of
directional control. Those settings did not meet the safety standards
of current FAA guidance and best practices. The ``One Engine
Inoperative Maneuvering--Loss of Directional Control'' profile in the
SFAR differed from current FAA guidance and best practices described in
the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A).
Second, CDFA Procedures published in AC 120-108 and published in
the MU-2 FSB Report, Revision 4, were not included in the training
profiles in SFAR No. 108. Though published in the MU-2 FSB Report,
Revision 4, CDFA procedures were not included in the SFAR No. 108
flight training profiles and therefore operators could not use these
procedures while operating an MU-2B.
Third, SFAR No. 108 stall-recovery profiles required operators to
perform all stall recoveries with a ``minimal loss of altitude.'' This
was inconsistent with stall recovery guidance because the FAA now
emphasizes successful recovery from a stall over minimizing the loss of
altitude which can lead to a secondary stall. Recent changes to the
FAA's stall training policy in AC 120-109 and PTS created conflicts
with several flight profiles.
Finally, as identified by Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) of the
Flight Standards Service and MHI, SFAR No. 108 mandates several
airspeeds in appendix D flight profiles that are incorrect.
C. NTSB Recommendations
On October 23, 2014, NTSB urged the FAA to take action on the
safety recommendations derived from the NTSB's investigation of a
Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 airplane accident in Owasso, Oklahoma. (NTSB Rec.
A-14-96 and -97). These recommendations addressed operational training
and checklist usage for Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplanes.
The NTSB's investigation found that since SFAR No. 108 became
effective in 2008, the FAA has revised its general
[[Page 61585]]
stall recovery guidance and procedures for stall and stick pusher
training for pilot certification and evaluation contained in AC 120-
109, dated August 6, 2012. Advisory Circular 120-109 introduced a
procedure for stall recovery that conflicted with related instruction
provided in the SFAR. Therefore, the NTSB recommended in NTSB
recommendation A-14-96 that the FAA revise, as soon as is practical,
the ``Approach to Stall'' flight profile currently contained in SFAR
No. 108 so that it is consistent with AC 120-109.
The NTSB also recommended in recommendation A-14-97 that ``the FAA
separate the flight training profiles from the SFAR such that any
updates to the profiles can be made without having to go through the
rulemaking process.'' The FAA interprets this recommendation from the
NTSB to mean that the more prescriptive rule in SFAR No. 108 should be
revised to a more flexible rule, such as a performance standard. This
change will allow flight training profiles to be updated more rapidly
in response to improved training best practices and guidance, thus
improving operational safety of the MU-2B aircraft.
III. Discussion of Final Rule
In order to provide a more flexible regulatory framework for MU-2B
training, the FAA is removing all appendices to SFAR No. 108 which
contained many prescriptive requirements. With implementation of this
rule, all MU-2B training must take place under an FAA approved MU-2B
training program. Approval of all MU-2B training programs will be based
on whether that program meets the standards of Sec. 91.1705(h).
The following figure describes the changes made from SFAR No. 108
as a result of this final rule and this references the specific
sections in the codifications of these requirements in part 91.
Figure 1--Summary of Changes to Special Federal Aviation Regulation No.
108 Made by This Final Rule
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The new part 91, Description of
Old section/paragraph Subpart N reference change
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Section 1, Applicability.... Sec. 91.1701 Provides new
Applicability. compliance dates.
References approved
MU-2B training
program.
Section 2, Compliance and Sec. 91.1703 No substantive
eligibility. Compliance and changes.
Eligibility. Minor language
change in paragraph
(b) for clarity.
Paragraph (g)
revised to
reference approved
training program,
adds a cross-
reference to Sec.
91.1705(h).
Section 3, Required pilot Sec. 91.1705 No change other than
training. Required Pilot to revise cross-
Paragraphs (a) through (g).. Training. references and
reference approved
training programs.
Table 1, Manufacturer's Sec. 91.1705(g)... No change.
checklists.
Section 4, Aeronautical Sec. 91.1711 No change.
experience. Training Program
Approval.
Section 5, Instruction, Sec. 91.1713 No change.
checking and evaluation. Instruction,
Checking, and
Evaluation.
Section 6, Currency Sec. 91.1715 No change.
requirements and flight Currency
review. Requirements and
Flight Review.
Section 7, Operating Sec. 91.1717 No change.
requirements. Operating
Requirements.
Section 8, Credit for prior Sec. 91.1719 Updated to give
training. Credit for Prior credit for previous
Testing. training under SFAR
No. 108.
Section 9, Incorporation by Sec. 91.1721 Revised to address
reference. Incorporation by current
Reference. incorporation by
reference
requirements.
Section 10, Expiration...... No Expiration....... No change.
Appendix A, MU-2B General Sec. 91.1707(a), Removed.
Training Requirements. Sec. 91.1707(b), Table 1, Table 2,
Sec. 91.1707(c). and Table 3 moved
to Sec. 91.1707.
Appendix B, MU-2B Ground Sec. 91.1705(h)(1) Removed.
Training Curriculum Training program
Contents. standard added to
Sec.
91.1705(h)(1).
Appendix C, MU-2B Final Sec. 91.1705(h)(3) Removed.
Phase Check and Flight Phase check
Training Requirements. requirements added
to Sec.
91.1705(h)(3).
Appendix D, MU-2B Maneuver Sec. 91.1705(h)(2) Removed.
Profiles. Training program
standard added to
Sec.
91.1705(h)(2).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following discussion describes the training program standard
established for MU-2B training and contained in subpart N of part 91.
These standards are found in Sec. 91.1705(h), and an example of a
training program implementing these standards may be found in Advisory
Circular accompanying this rule.
Paragraph 91.1705(h) contains the training program standard which
replaces the prescriptive content of the former SFAR No. 108's
appendices. Paragraph 91.1705(h) requires all MU-2B training programs
to include a ground training curriculum, a flight training curriculum,
differences training for operators of modified MU-2B aircraft, icing
training, and training program hours for ground and flight training.
The standard in Sec. 91.1705(h) will allow for updates to MU-2B
training programs and allow training providers to keep training
programs up to date with current best practices while ensuring that the
programs meet the FAA's safety standards. By placing the specific
guidance regarding training program content in an AC, the FAA will
ensure that the training program specific guidelines can be updated as
agency safety philosophy regarding training evolves. However, the
requirements for
[[Page 61586]]
the training program will be retained in the regulations, ensuring that
significant training adjustments would go through notice and comment
rulemaking.
As required by Sec. 91.1705(h)(1), an MU-2B training program must
include a ground training curriculum sufficient to ensure pilot
knowledge of MU-2B aircraft systems and procedures necessary for safe
operation and proficient pilot knowledge of MU-2B aircraft. The FAA has
replaced the prescriptive list of specific items listed in Appendix B
to SFAR No. 108 with this performance standard.
As required by Sec. 91.1705(h)(2), an MU-2B training program must
also include a flight training curriculum with flight training maneuver
profiles sufficient in number and detail to ensure pilot proficiency in
all MU-2B operations for each MU-2B Model in accordance with MU-2B
aircraft limitations, procedures, and MU-2B cockpit checklist \3\
procedures applicable to the MU-2B Model being trained. Examples of MU-
2B flight training maneuver profiles may be found in the FAA
recommended MU-2B training program in the appendix of Advisory Circular
(AC) AC 91-MU2B Mitsubishi MU-2B Training Program.
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\3\ The MU-2B checklists were incorporated by reference into
SFAR No. 108 by the Final Rule published on 02/06/2008, 73 FR 7034.
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The FAA has included in subpart N of part 91 a list of specific
maneuvers that an MU-2B training program must include in order to
ensure pilots are adequately prepared for the unique safety challenges
of operating an MU-2B. SFAR No. 108 was more prescriptive because it
required these maneuvers in addition to requiring operators to follow
all specific airspeeds and the order of procedures of the flight
training maneuver profiles. The revised regulation allows for maneuver
profiles to be updated with developing training and operational best
practices. In order to obtain FAA approval, an MU-2B training program
must contain the following flight training maneuver profiles for the
MU-2B Model being trained:
Normal takeoff with 5- and 20- degrees of flaps;
Takeoff engine failure with 5- and 20- degrees of flaps;
Takeoff engine failure on a runway or a rejected takeoff;
Takeoff engine failure after liftoff when unable to climb.
This maneuver may be completed in classroom or a flight training device
only;
Steep turns;
Slow flight maneuvers;
One engine inoperative maneuvering with a loss of
directional control;
Approach to stall in clean configuration and with wings
level;
Approach to stall in takeoff configuration with 15- to 30-
degrees bank;
Approach to stall in landing configuration with gear down
and 40-degrees of flaps;
Accelerated stall with no flaps;
Emergency descent at low speed;
Emergency descent at high speed;
Unusual attitude recovery with the nose high;
Unusual attitude recovery with the nose low;
Normal landing with 20- and 40- degrees flaps;
Go around and rejected landing;
No flaps or 5- degrees flaps landing;
One engine inoperative landing with 5- and 20- degrees of
flaps;
Crosswind landing;
Instrument landing system (ILS) and missed approach;
Two engine missed approach;
One engine inoperative ILS and missed approach;
One engine inoperative missed approach;
Non-precision and missed approach;
Non-precision CDFA and missed approach;
One engine inoperative non-precision and missed approach;
One engine inoperative non-precision CDFA and missed
approach;
Circling approach at weather minimums;
One engine inoperative circling approach at weather
minimums.
As required by Sec. 91.1705(h)(3), an MU-2B training program must
also include a final phase check sufficient to document pilot
proficiency in the flight maneuvers as specified in the approved
training programs phase check. This standard replaces the final phase
check requirements in former Appendix C to the SFAR No. 108.
As required by Sec. 91.1705(h)(4), an MU-2B training program must
also include differences training sufficient to ensure pilot
proficiency in each model of the MU-2B aircraft operated by a pilot who
operates multiple MU-2B model variants concurrently. The differences
training requirement is unchanged from the prior version of SFAR No.
108. Due to the age of the MU-2B fleet currently in operation, many MU-
2B aircraft have been modified from the original factory configuration.
Therefore, the FAA will continue to mandate differences training in
order to ensure that those operators who operate multiple versions of
the MU-2B aircraft are adequately trained to safely operate various MU-
2B configurations. MU-2B differences requirements have been removed
from Appendix A of SFAR No. 108 and are now specified in Sec.
91.1705(h)(4). Section 91.1705(h)(4) only includes differences for
factory type design MU-2 aircraft while other applicable MU-2
differences are required by other FAA approved training programs (e.g.
part 135 and 142 operations) and AC 91-MU2B. The hours requirement for
Differences Training can be found in Sec. 91.1707(c). Differences
other than factory type design MU-2B differences applicable to MU-2B
aircraft are highly recommended for part 91 MU-2B training. Due to the
magnitude of these changes to the MU-2B fleet, additional training is
necessary to ensure pilot proficiency.
As required by Sec. 91.1705(h)(5), an MU-2B training program must
also include icing training sufficient to ensure pilot knowledge and
safe operation of the MU-2B aircraft in icing conditions as established
by Airworthiness Directive 1997-20-14 or an Alternate Means of
Compliance to Airworthiness Directive 2000-09-15, as amended.
As required by Sec. 91.1705(h)(6), an MU-2B ground and flight
training program must include the training hours identified by Sec.
91.1707(a) for ground instruction, Sec. 91.1707(b) for flight
instruction and Sec. 91.1707(c) for differences training. These
training hours are identical to SFAR-108 training hours which were
initially determined by the FAA's MU-2B FSB as the number of hours
necessary to ensure the safe operation of the MU-2B aircraft.
As required by Sec. 91.1707(e), an MU-2B training program must
include examples of endorsements for compliance with Sec. 91.1705(f)
appropriate to the content of that specific MU-2B training program's
compliance with the standards of SFAR No. 108. Section 91.1705(f)
describes the endorsement required under Sec. 91.1705 (a) and (b) must
be made by:
(1) A certificated flight instructor under part 61 or part 141
meeting the qualifications of Sec. 91.1713; or
(2) a training center evaluator authorized by the FAA to conduct
MU-2B evaluation events at a part 142 Training Center meeting the
qualifications of Sec. 91.1713 or,
(3) for persons operating the MU-2B for a part 119 certificate
holder within the last 12 calendar months, the part 119 certificate
holder's flight instructor if that instructor is authorized by the
[[Page 61587]]
FAA meets the requirements of Sec. 91.1713.
This section has been revised to include endorsements made by an
authorized simulator instructor at an FAA 142 Training Center.
As required by Sec. 91.1709(a), to obtain approval for an MU-2B
training program, training providers must submit a proposed training
program to the Administrator. Only training programs approved by the
Administrator may be used to satisfy the standards of subpart N of part
91. Training providers may submit for approval the most current version
of the appendix to AC 91-MU2B, which the FAA has determined meets the
standards of this subpart.
Parts 135, 141, and 142 training providers must submit their
proposed training program to their Principal Operations Inspector (POI)
or Training Center Program Manager (TCPM) for approval and inclusion in
their approved training curriculum.
Part 91 training providers do not have an established process for
seeking approval of a training program; therefore, part 91 training
providers must submit for approval a proposed training program to their
jurisdictional FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The term
`part 91 training providers' refers to training providers providing
training under part 61 authority for a part 91 operation. Part 91
training providers may submit for approval the most current version of
the appendix to AC 91-MU2B which the FAA has determined meets the
standards of subpart N of part 91. The FAA FSDO will issue a Letter of
Authorization (LOA) to the training provider if the proposed training
program meets the standards of subpart N of part 91. For MU-2B training
providers providing training under part 91, training programs will be
approved for 24 months, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. For more
details on how to submit an MU-2B training program for approval, please
see AC 91-MU2B.
Under Sec. 91.1709(a)(3), the Administrator may require revision
of an approved MU-2B training program at any time. A training provider
must present its approved training program and FAA approval
documentation to any representative of the Administrator, upon request.
IV. Advisory Circular
The FAA is publishing an approved MU-2B training program as an
appendix in the AC 91-MU2B Mitsubishi MU-2B Training Program. This AC
may be used by training providers to meet the requirements of subpart N
of part 91. Training providers may also use this AC as a reference for
developing their own MU-2B training programs to submit for FAA approval
pursuant to Sec. 91.1709. The AC includes the SFAR No. 108 flight
training maneuver profiles with appropriate revisions consistent with
current training policy and guidance.
The following updates have been made to the MU-2B flight training
profiles which have been removed from SFAR No. 108 and moved to AC 91-
MU2B.
One Engine Inoperative Maneuvering Loss of Directional Control
The flight training maneuver profiles A-7, B-7, C-7 in the former
Appendix D of SFAR No. 108 were incorrect regarding the procedures for
setting power and trim for the demonstration of the one-engine-
inoperative maneuver with a loss of directional control. The appendix D
profile called for the MU-2B aircraft to be configured and trimmed for
single engine flight prior to starting the maneuver. The FAA's Airplane
Flying Handbook calls for the aircraft to be trimmed for two-engine
flight at a slow airspeed and then for the power to be configured for
single engine flight without re-trimming. Setting the configuration of
the aircraft in the manner SFAR No. 108 required results in the rudder
forces required prior to reaching the Velocity Minimum Control (Vmc)
being less than the actual rudder forces required to maintain zero
sideslip flight. The consequence of setting the configuration in that
manner promotes an adverse training condition causing the pilot to
under-control the aircraft in the event of an actual Vmc experience.
The FAA has revised these maneuver profiles to reflect the proper
settings and relocated them to the AC. Section 91.1705(h)(2) retains
the requirement that MU-2B pilots train on this item.
Continued Descent Final Approach (CDFA)
An Advisory Circular (AC) published on January 20, 2011, for all
aircraft operators, AC 120-108, would enhance the operational safety of
an MU-2B aircraft during a non-precision instrument approach. The only
non-precision approaches contained in the former version of SFAR No.
108 were those that use the ``dive and drive'' method, which consists
of descending immediately after the final approach fix to the Minimum
Descent Altitude (MDA) and then leveling off until reaching the next
step down fix or the missed approach point, as appropriate. This SFAR
108 procedure, when accomplished with one engine inoperative, required
that the landing gear remain retracted until the pilot had visual
contact with the landing runway environment. This SFAR 108 procedure
could have resulted in the pilot forgetting to extend the landing gear
prior to landing and was seen by many as an unstabilized approach. It
also could have resulted in under shooting the visual approach path to
the runway, causing a possible controlled-flight-into-terrain (CFIT)
accident.
The SFAR 108 ``dive and drive'' procedure, with gear extension
restrictions, was originally approved for the MU-2 by the FAA in 2006
during the FSB review of the MU-2 single engine capabilities.
Demonstrations showed a limited or negative climb capability for the
MU-2 with the gear in the down position during single engine
operations. Since most single engine non-precision approaches result in
the need to maintain altitude for a period of time prior to final
descent to the landing runway, the FAA determined that a non-standard
landing gear configuration would be necessary to safely accomplish the
level off. The ``dive and drive'' procedure is described in the AC 120-
108.
The revised procedure allows the pilot the option to extend the
landing gear at the normal, final approach fix location and to fly a
calculated glide path to the missed approach point, or derived decision
altitude. This revised procedure prevents the need to maintain altitude
at the MDA with the gear down which, in turn, improves safety. The FAA
recognizes this new procedure and the FSB and Aircraft Evaluations
Group (AEG) have now revised and published Revision 4 of the FSB Report
for the MU-2. This version of the FSB Report contains provisions for
incorporating the new procedures into MU-2B training and operation.
The CDFA procedure was not contained in the SFAR No. 108 flight
training profiles. The FAA is adding CDFA procedures to the list of
required flight training procedures as an additional procedure in Sec.
91.1705(h)(2). These new profiles, in addition to the existing
profiles, have been relocated to AC 91-MU2B.
Stall Procedures
Advisory Circular 120-109 introduced a new procedure for the proper
recognition and recovery from a stall for all aircraft. The AC 120-109
is supplemented by Safety Advisory for Operators (SAFO) 10012
standardizing the procedure for all aircraft and training programs. The
latest revision of the FAA's Commercial Practical Test Standards calls
for a change to the
[[Page 61588]]
standard for performance and evaluation of stall procedures.
AC 120-109 resulted from an FAA and industry study of two well-
publicized accidents, Colgan Air Flight 3407 and Air France Flight 447.
In both of these accidents, the pilots were not immediately aware that
the aircraft were stalled, and the pilots did not attempt to recover
correctly, resulting in the loss of the aircraft and all passengers.
The maneuver profiles in SFAR No. 108 (profiles A-8 through A-11.
B-8 through B-11, and C-8 through C-11) required operators to perform
all stall recoveries with a ``minimal loss of altitude.'' This standard
of performance has been redefined for all FAA and industry training for
other aircraft, and new profiles have been published in MU-2B Training
Program AC to instruct pilots to perform a stall recovery using a
positive reduction of angle of attack method. This procedure change is
important to ensure that pilots safely recover from a stall and do not
cause a secondary stall of the aircraft.
Also, in the past, during advanced training in high performance
aircraft like the MU-2B, pilot training did not include full stall
recoveries. Historically, recovery would be initiated at the first
indication of the stall, which in the case of the MU-2B is a stick
shaker vibrating the yoke in order to warn the pilot of an impending
stall. Most MU-2B stall training never reaches a full aerodynamic stall
or even pre-stall buffet. In those cases, recovery without having to
substantially lower the nose of the aircraft is possible, resulting in
a minimum loss of altitude. In a full stall, however, a pilot must
positively lower the nose to reattach the flow of air to the wing prior
to adding power. Otherwise, the pilot risks a secondary stall as the
nose rises from addition of power, and/or a torque roll occurs opposite
the propeller rotational direction. The new standardized method of
recovery from any level of stall condition is to substantially lower
the nose.
Recent changes to the FAA's Practical Test Standards direct
examiners to assess a pilot's ability to recover promptly at the
``onset'' (buffeting) stall condition. These revised profiles and AC
120-109 call out procedures for accomplishing this stall recognition
and recovery from an autopilot `ON' flight configuration, thereby
simulating a stall catching the pilot by surprise and creating more
realistic surprise and startle in training. The revised maneuver
profiles for stall recognition and recovery have been relocated to the
AC.
Compliance Dates
As required by Sec. 91.1701, after November 7, 2016, all training
conducted in an MU-2B must follow an MU-2B training program that meets
the standards of this Subpart of part 91. This 60-day period gives
training providers time to adjust their training programs to meet the
standards of this subpart and to seek FAA approval for training
provider developed training programs.
Also required by Sec. 91.1701, this subpart is immediately
applicable when effective to all persons who operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B
series airplane, including those who act as pilot-in-command (PIC), act
as second-in-command (SIC), or other persons who manipulate the
controls while under the supervision of a PIC.
As required by Sec. 91.1719, Initial/transition, requalification,
or recurrent training conducted prior to November 7, 2016, compliant
with SFAR No. 108, Section 3, effective March 6, 2008, is considered to
be compliant with this subpart, if the student met the eligibility
requirements for the applicable category of training and the student's
instructor met the experience requirements of this subpart. This 60-day
period allows current operators to continue training under SFAR No. 108
and allows for a seamless transition to training programs under this
subpart.
The FAA is immediately relocating and updating the content of SFAR
No. 108 to this subpart in order to be in accordance with current FAA
policy regarding the safest and most effective means to conduct
training in the area of stall recognition and recovery, continuous
descent final approach procedures, and one engine inoperative
maneuvering. The FAA understands that MU-2B training is currently being
conducted consistently with FAA policy and considers such training to
be critical to the safe operation of the aircraft. For that reason, the
FAA does not anticipate any disruptions in training or operations of
MU-2B aircraft as a result of the immediate effective date for this
rule. This rulemaking is necessary to align the regulation with the
safest, best means to conduct training in the MU-2B.
V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses
A. Regulatory Evaluation
Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic
analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563 direct
that each Federal agency shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon
a reasoned determination that the benefits of the intended regulation
justify its costs. Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub.
L. 96-354) requires agencies to analyze the economic impact of
regulatory changes on small entities. Third, the Trade Agreements Act
(Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits agencies from setting standards that create
unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States. In
developing U.S. standards, the Trade Act requires agencies to consider
international standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis
of U.S. standards. Fourth, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(Pub. L. 104-4) requires agencies to prepare a written assessment of
the costs, benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that
include a Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State,
local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private
sector, of $100 million or more annually (adjusted for inflation with
base year of 1995). This portion of the preamble summarizes the FAA's
analysis of the economic impacts of this rule.
Department of Transportation Order DOT 2100.5 prescribes policies
and procedures for simplification, analysis, and review of regulations.
If the expected cost impact is so minimal that a proposed or final rule
does not warrant a full evaluation, this order permits that a statement
to that effect and the basis for it are to be included in the preamble
if a full regulatory evaluation of the cost and benefits is not
prepared. Such a determination has been made for this rule. The
reasoning for this determination follows:
The purpose and benefit of this action is to correct safety related
inaccuracies in the regulation and streamline the process for updating
MU-2B flight training profiles should any inaccuracies be discovered or
should training requirements or policy need to be revised and updated
in the future. As a result of this action, operators, training
providers, and safety officials will have timely, accurate training
material. This action is important to minimize future accidents.
Pilots in need of MU-2B training can choose from either a training
center or hiring one of the approximately 20 MU-2B qualified
instructors. Currently, there are three primary training providers that
offer FAA approved MU-2B training.
There were a number of conflicts between former SFAR No. 108 and
best practices and FAA guidance, which demonstrate a better safety
record. The FAA's Kansas City Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) and
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) have documented that the SFAR
conflicted with new and
[[Page 61589]]
revised FAA training requirements, policy, guidance and safe operating
practices. These practices are set forth in the Airline Transport Pilot
Practical Test Standards (PTS); Commercial Pilot PTS; FAA Notice
N8900.205, Enhanced Stall and Stick Pusher Training; Advisory Circular
(AC) 120-109; Stall and Stick Pusher Training; and AC 120-108,
Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA).
SFAR No. 108 mandates training, experience, and operating
requirements to improve the level of operational safety for the MHI MU-
2B series airplane. SFAR No. 108 contained inaccurate training profiles
and was misaligned with current FAA flight training policy. Since the
enactment of SFAR No. 108, there have been two accidents with five
fatalities. The SFAR required training in accordance with inaccurate
MU-2B flight training profiles. The National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) recommended that the FAA correct these inaccuracies as
soon as is practical. New stall profiles have been created for
instructing the pilot to perform a stall recovery using a positive
reduction of angle of attack method. This procedure change is important
to ensure that pilots safely recover from a stall and do not cause a
secondary stall of the aircraft.
Besides the inaccurate training profiles, SFAR 108 was not aligned
with current FAA Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA) procedures
flight training policy published in AC 120-108 and published in the MU-
2 FSB Report, Revision 4. FAA CDFA procedures were not contained in the
SFAR No. 108 MU-2B flight training profiles. Including these procedures
in subpart N of part 91 will allow operators of the MHI MU-2B series
airplane to follow the most current procedures when operating an
appropriately equipped MHI MU-2B series airplane. The new CDFA flight
training supplements training already contained in the SFAR and
provides an alternate procedure that may be used at the discretion of
the pilot.
The flight training maneuver profiles A-7, B-7, C-7 in former
Appendix D of the SFAR No. 108 were incorrect regarding the procedures
for setting power and trim for the demonstration of the one-engine-
inoperative maneuver with a loss of directional control. Furthermore,
the maneuver profiles in the SFAR No. 108 (profiles A-8 through A-11,
B-8 through B-11, and C-8 through C-11) required operators to perform
all stall recoveries with a ``minimal loss of altitude''. This
requirement has been removed from all FAA and industry training
documents for other aircraft. This rule relocates and updates the
content of SFAR No. 108 to this subpart in order to eliminate safety
concerns resulting from mandating incorrect and out-of-date best
practices for training in and operating the MU-2B.
With this action, all MU-2B training must take place under an FAA
approved MU-2B training program. FAA approval of all MU-2B training
programs will be based on whether that program meets the performance
standards of Sec. 91.1705(h). The FAA is also publishing an AC for the
Mitsubishi MU-2B Training Program. This AC Appendix contains a
recommended MU-2B training program which may be used by training
providers to meet the requirements this subpart, or as a reference for
the training providers to develop their own MU-2B training programs.
By following the AC training guidance, there will be no new
training costs associated with this revised training guidance. The
requalification and recurrent training hours for ground instruction and
flight instruction remain the same. All MU-2B pilots will have to take
training compliant with this subpart when their 12-month recurrent
training requirement comes due, but not before. Nothing in this subpart
mandates new training outside the existing currency cycle.
By following the AC training guidance, the change in existing
training, results in no new costs. Thus, the cost of the rule will be
minimal.
The FAA has, therefore, determined that this rule is not a
``significant regulatory action'' as defined in section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866, and is not ``significant'' as defined in DOT's
Regulatory Policies and Procedures.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Determination
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-354) (RFA)
establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall
endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable
statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale
of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions
subject to regulation.'' To achieve this principle, agencies are
required to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to
explain the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals
are given serious consideration.'' The RFA covers a wide-range of small
entities, including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and
small governmental jurisdictions.
Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA.
However, if an agency determines that a rule is not expected to
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities, section 605(b) of the RFA provides that the head of the
agency may so certify and a regulatory flexibility analysis is not
required. The certification must include a statement providing the
factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning should be
clear.
MU-2 aircraft are owned by a substantial number of small entities.
However, the FAA believes that this rule does not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the
following reasons. With this rule, the updated procedures and new
profiles that are already in place for other FAA approved training
programs will become mandatory for MU-2B pilots. By following the AC
training guidance, the change in existing training, results in no new
costs. Nothing in this rule mandates new training outside the existing
cycle.
Therefore, as provided in section 605(b), the head of the FAA
certifies that this rulemaking will not result in a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
C. International Trade Impact Assessment
The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as amended by the
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), prohibits Federal
agencies from establishing standards or engaging in related activities
that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United
States. Pursuant to these Acts, the establishment of standards is not
considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign commerce of the
United States, so long as the standard has a legitimate domestic
objective, such as the protection of safety, and does not operate in a
manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. The statute also
requires consideration of international standards and, where
appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards. The FAA has
assessed the potential effect of this final rule and determined that
the rule would protect safety and is not considered an unnecessary
obstacle to foreign commerce.
[[Page 61590]]
D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-
4) requires each Federal agency to prepare a written statement
assessing the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final
agency rule that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more
(in 1995 dollars) in any one year by State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector; such a mandate
is deemed to be a ``significant regulatory action.'' The FAA currently
uses an inflation-adjusted value of $155 million in lieu of $100
million. This final rule does not contain such a mandate; therefore,
the requirements of Title II of the Act do not apply.
E. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires
that the FAA consider the impact of paperwork and other information
collection burdens imposed on the public. According to the 1995
amendments to the Paperwork Reduction Act (5 CFR 1320.8(b)(2)(vi)), an
agency may not collect or sponsor the collection of information, nor
may it impose an information collection requirement unless it displays
a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
The FAA has determined that there is a new requirement for information
collection associated with this immediately adopted final rule and is
requesting the Office of Management and Budget to grant an immediate
emergency clearance on the paperwork package that it is submitting.
Therefore, notification will be made to the public when a clearance is
received. Following is a summary of the information collection
activity.
Title: MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements Update
Summary/Need: This subpart requires qualified instructors providing
MU-2B training in part 91 operations to submit a proposed MU-2B
training program to the FAA for approval. This information collection
is necessary to the FAA's mission to ensure aviation safety because it
will enable the FAA to identify MU-2B qualified instructors providing
training under this subpart and to oversee compliance.
Respondents: The respondents are an estimated 20-training providers
operating under part 91 that are qualified to provide training for the
MU-2B aircraft in accordance with subpart N of part 91.
Burden: The burden associated with this subpart is minimal to the
part 91 training providers.
Use: It will enable the FAA to identify MU-2B qualified instructors
currently providing training under SFAR No. 108 and oversee compliance
with subpart N of part 91.
Frequency: Part 91 training providers will have to submit their
training programs to the FAA every two years.
F. International Compatibility and Cooperation
In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on
International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to conform to
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and
Recommended Practices to the maximum extent practicable. The FAA has
determined that there are no ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices
that correspond to these proposed regulations.
Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory
Cooperation, promotes international regulatory cooperation to meet
shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security,
environmental, and other issues and to reduce, eliminate, or prevent
unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements. The FAA has
analyzed this action under the policies and agency responsibilities of
Executive Order 13609, and has determined that this action would have
no effect on international regulatory cooperation.
G. Environmental Analysis
FAA Order 1050.1F identifies FAA actions that are categorically
excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy
Act in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. The FAA has
determined this rulemaking action qualifies for the categorical
exclusion identified in paragraph 5-6.6 and involves no extraordinary
circumstances.
VI. Executive Order Determinations
A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism
The FAA has analyzed this immediately adopted final rule under the
principles and criteria of Executive Order 13132, Federalism. The
agency determined that this action will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, or the relationship between the Federal
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government, and,
therefore, does not have Federalism implications.
B. Executive Order 13211, Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use
The FAA analyzed this immediately adopted final rule under
Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations that
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (May 18,
2001). The agency has determined that it is not a ``significant energy
action'' under the executive order and it is not likely to have a
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of
energy.
VII. How To Obtain Additional Information
A. Rulemaking Documents
An electronic copy of a rulemaking document may be obtained by
using the Internet--
1. Search the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov);
2. Visit the FAA's Regulations and Policies Web page at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ or
3. Access the Government Publishing Office's Web page at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.
Copies may also be obtained by sending a request (identified by
amendment or docket number of this rulemaking) to the Federal Aviation
Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9677.
B. Comments Submitted to the Docket
Comments received may be viewed by going to http://www.regulations.gov and following the online instructions to search the
docket number for this action. Anyone is able to search the electronic
form of all comments received into any of the FAA's dockets by the name
of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of
1996 requires FAA to comply with small entity requests for information
or advice about compliance with statutes and regulations within its
jurisdiction. A small entity with questions regarding this document,
may contact its local FAA official, or the person listed under the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT heading at the beginning of the preamble.
To find out more about SBREFA on the Internet, visit http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/sbre_act/.
[[Page 61591]]
List of Subjects
14 CFR Part 35
Aircraft, Aviation safety.
14 CFR Part 91
Aircraft, Airmen, Airports, Aviation safety, Freight, Incorporation
by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
14 CFR Part 135
Air taxis, Aircraft, Airmen, Alcohol abuse, Aviation safety, Drug
abuse, Drug testing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
The Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration amends chapter I of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
PART 61--CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND
INSTRUCTORS
0
1. The authority citation for part 61 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707,
44709-44711, 44729, 44903, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.
0
2. Remove Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 108.
PART 91--GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES
0
3. The authority citation for part 91 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 1155, 40101, 40103, 40105,
40113, 40120, 44101, 44111, 44701, 44704, 44709, 44711, 44712,
44715, 44716, 44717, 44722, 46306, 46315, 46316, 46504, 46506-46507,
47122, 47508, 47528-47531, 47534, articles 12 and 29 of the
Convention on International Civil Aviation (61 stat. 1180), (126
Stat. 11).
0
4. Effective November 7, 2017, remove Special Federal Aviation
Regulation No. 108--Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training,
Experience, and Operating Requirements.
0
5. Amend part 91 by adding subpart N to read as follows:
Subpart N--Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training, Experience,
and Operating Requirements
Sec.
91.1701 Applicability
91.1703 Compliance and eligibility.
91.1705 Required pilot training.
91.1707 Training program hours.
91.1709 Training program approval.
91.1711 Aeronautical experience.
91.1713 Instruction, checking, and evaluation.
91.1715 Currency requirements and flight review.
91.1717 Operating requirements.
91.1719 Credit for prior training.
91.1721 Incorporation by reference.
Sec. 91.1701 Applicability.
(a) On and after November 7, 2016, all training conducted in an MU-
2B must follow an approved MU-2B training program that meets the
standards of this subpart.
(b) This subpart applies to all persons who operate a Mitsubishi
MU-2B series airplane, including those who act as pilot in command, act
as second-in-command, or other persons who manipulate the controls
while under the supervision of a pilot in command.
(c) This subpart also applies to those persons who provide pilot
training for a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane. The requirements in
this subpart are in addition to the requirements of parts 61, 91, and
135 of this chapter.
Sec. 91.1703 Compliance and eligibility.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person
may manipulate the controls, act as PIC, act as second-in-command, or
provide pilot training for a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane unless
that person meets the requirements of this subpart.
(b) A person who does not meet the requirements of this subpart may
manipulate the controls of a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane if a
pilot in command who meets the requirements of this subpart is
occupying a pilot station, no passengers or cargo are carried on board
the airplane, and the flight is being conducted for one of the
following reasons--
(1) The pilot in command is providing pilot training to the
manipulator of the controls;
(2) The pilot in command is conducting a maintenance test flight
with a second pilot or certificated mechanic; or
(3) The pilot in command is conducting simulated instrument flight
and is using a safety pilot other than the pilot in command who
manipulates the controls for the purposes of Sec. 91.109(b).
(c) A person is required to complete Initial/transition training if
that person has fewer than--
(1) 50 hours of documented flight time manipulating the controls
while serving as pilot in command of a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane
in the preceding 24 months; or
(2) 500 hours of documented flight time manipulating the controls
while serving as pilot in command of a Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane.
(d) A person is eligible to receive Requalification training in
lieu of Initial/transition training if that person has at least--
(1) 50 hours of documented flight time manipulating the controls
while serving as pilot in command of a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane
in the preceding 24 months; or
(2) 500 hours of documented flight time manipulating the controls
while serving as pilot in command of a Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane.
(e) A person is required to complete Recurrent training within the
preceding 12 months. Successful completion of Initial/transition or
Requalification training within the preceding 12 months satisfies the
requirement of Recurrent training. A person must successfully complete
Initial/transition training or Requalification training before being
eligible to receive Recurrent training.
(f) Successful completion of Initial/transition training or
Requalification training is a one-time requirement. A person may elect
to retake Initial/transition training or Requalification training in
lieu of Recurrent training.
(g) A person is required to complete Differences training in
accordance with an FAA approved MU-2B training program if that person
operates more than one MU-2B model as specified in Sec. 91.1707(c).
Sec. 91.1705 Required pilot training.
(a) Except as provided in Sec. 91.1703(b), no person may
manipulate the controls, act as pilot in command, or act as second-in-
command of a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane for the purpose of flight
unless--
(1) The requirements for ground and flight training on Initial/
transition, Requalification, Recurrent, and Differences training have
been completed in accordance with an FAA approved MU-2B training
program that meets the standards of this subpart; and
(2) That person's logbook has been endorsed in accordance with
paragraph (f) of this section.
(b) Except as provided in Sec. 91.1703(b), no person may
manipulate the controls, act as pilot in command, or act as second-in-
command, of a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane for the purpose of
flight unless--
(1) That person satisfactorily completes, if applicable, annual
Recurrent pilot training on the Special Emphasis Items, and all items
listed in the Training Course Final Phase Check in accordance with an
FAA approved MU-2B training program that meets the standards of this
subpart; and
(2) That person's logbook has been endorsed in accordance with
paragraph (f) of this section.
(c) Satisfactory completion of the competency check required by
Sec. 135.293 of this chapter within the preceding 12
[[Page 61592]]
calendar months may not be substituted for the Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane annual recurrent flight training of this section.
(d) Satisfactory completion of a Federal Aviation Administration
sponsored pilot proficiency program, as described in Sec. 61.56(e) of
this chapter may not be substituted for the Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane annual recurrent flight training of this section.
(e) If a person complies with the requirements of paragraph (a) or
(b) of this section in the calendar month before or the calendar month
after the month in which compliance with these paragraphs are required,
that person is considered to have accomplished the training requirement
in the month the training is due.
(f) The endorsement required under paragraph (a) and (b) of this
section must be made by--
(1) A certificated flight instructor or a simulator instructor
authorized by a Training Center certificated under part 142 of this
chapter and meeting the qualifications of Sec. 91.1713; or
(2) For persons operating the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane for
a 14 CFR part 119 certificate holder within the last 12 calendar
months, the part 119 certificate holder's flight instructor if
authorized by the FAA and if that flight instructor meets the
requirements of Sec. 91.1713.
(g) All training conducted for a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane
must be completed in accordance with an MU-2B series airplane checklist
that has been accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration's MU-2B
Flight Standardization Board or the applicable MU-2B series checklist
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 91.1721).
(h) MU-2B training programs must contain ground training and flight
training sufficient to ensure pilot proficiency for the safe operation
of MU-2B aircraft, including:
(1) A ground training curriculum sufficient to ensure pilot
knowledge of MU-2B aircraft, aircraft systems, and procedures,
necessary for safe operation; and
(2) Flight training curriculum including flight training maneuver
profiles sufficient in number and detail to ensure pilot proficiency in
all MU-2B operations for each MU-2B model in correlation with MU-2B
limitations, procedures, aircraft performance, and MU-2B Cockpit
Checklist procedures applicable to the MU-2B model being trained. A MU-
2B training program must contain, at a minimum, the following flight
training maneuver profiles applicable to the MU-2B model being trained:
(i) Normal takeoff with 5- and 20- degrees flaps;
(ii) Takeoff engine failure with 5- and 20- degrees flaps;
(iii) Takeoff engine failure on runway or rejected takeoff;
(iv) Takeoff engine failure after liftoff--unable to climb (may be
completed in classroom or flight training device only);
(v) Steep turns;
(vi) Slow flight maneuvers;
(vii) One engine inoperative maneuvering with loss of directional
control;
(viii) Approach to stall in clean configuration and with wings
level;
(ix) Approach to stall in takeoff configuration with 15- to 30-
degrees bank;
(x) Approach to stall in landing configuration with gear down and
40-degrees of flaps;
(xi) Accelerated stall with no flaps;
(xii) Emergency descent at low speed;
(xiii) Emergency descent at high speed;
(xiv) Unusual attitude recovery with the nose high;
(xv) Unusual attitude recovery with the nose low;
(xvi) Normal landing with 20- and 40- degrees flaps;
(xvii) Go around and rejected landing;
(xviii) No flap or 5- degrees flaps landing;
(xix) One engine inoperative landing with 5- and 20- degrees flaps;
(xx) Crosswind landing;
(xxi) Instrument landing system (ILS) and missed approach ;
(xxii) Two engine missed approach;
(xxiii) One engine inoperative ILS and missed approach;
(xxiv) One engine inoperative missed approach;
(xxv) Non-precision and missed approach;
(xxvi) Non-precision continuous descent final approach and missed
approach;
(xxvii) One engine inoperative non-precision and missed approach;
(xxviii) One engine inoperative non-precision CDFA and missed
approach;
(xxix) Circling approach at weather minimums;
(xxx) One engine inoperative circling approach at weather minimums.
(3) Flight training must include a final phase check sufficient to
document pilot proficiency in the flight training maneuver profiles at
the completion of training; and
(4) Differences training for applicable MU-2B model variants
sufficient to ensure pilot proficiency in each model operated. Current
MU-2B differences requirements are specified in Sec. 91.1707(c). A
person must complete Differences training if a person operates more
than one MU-2B model as specified in Sec. 91.1707(c). Differences
training between the factory type design K and M models of the MU-2B
airplane, and the factory type design J and L models of the MU-2B
airplane, may be accomplished with Level A training. All other factory
type design differences training must be accomplished with Level B
training unless otherwise specified in Sec. 91.1707(c) . A Level A or
B differences training is not a recurring annual requirement. Once a
person has completed Initial Level A or B Differences training between
the applicable different models, no additional differences training
between those models is required.
(5) Icing training sufficient to ensure pilot knowledge and safe
operation of the MU-2B aircraft in icing conditions as established by
the FAA;
(6) Ground and flight training programs must include training hours
identified by Sec. 91.1707(a) for ground instruction, Sec. 91.1707(b)
for flight instruction, and Sec. 91.1707(c) for differences training.
(i) No training credit is given for second-in-command training and
no credit is given for right seat time under this program. Only the
sole manipulator of the controls of the MU-2B airplane, flight training
device, or Level C or D simulator can receive training credit under
this program;
(ii) An MU-2B airplane must be operated in accordance with an FAA
approved MU-2B training program that meets the standards of this
subpart and the training hours in Sec. 91.1707.
(7) Endorsements given for compliance with paragraph (f) of this
section must be appropriate to the content of that specific MU-2B
training program's compliance with standards of this subpart.
Sec. 91.1707 Training program hours.
(a) Ground instruction hours are listed in the following table:
[[Page 61593]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial/transition Requalificaton Recurrent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 hours........................ 12 hours.......... 8 hours.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Flight instruction hours are listed in the following table:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial/transition Requalification Recurrent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 hours with a minimum of 6 8 hours level C or 4 hours at level
hours at level E. level E. E, or 6 hours at
level C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Differences training hours are listed in the following table:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 factory type design models concurrently........ 1.5 hours required at level B.
More than 2 factory type design models 3 hours at level B.
concurrently.
Each additional factory type design model added 1.5 hours at level B.
separately.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Definitions of levels of training as used in this subpart:
(1) LEVEL A Training--Training that is conducted through self-
instruction by the pilot.
(2) LEVEL B Training--Training that is conducted in the classroom
environment with the aid of a qualified instructor who meets the
requirements of this subpart.
(3) LEVEL C Training--Training that is accomplished in an FAA-
approved Level 5 or 6 flight training device. In addition to the basic
FTD requirements, the FTD must be representative of the MU-2B cockpit
controls and be specifically approved by the FAA for the MU-2B
airplane.
(4) Level E Training--Training that must be accomplished in the MU-
2B airplane, Level C simulator, or Level D simulator.
Sec. 91.1709 Training program approval.
To obtain approval for an MU-2B training program, training
providers must submit a proposed training program to the Administrator.
(a) Only training programs approved by the Administrator may be
used to satisfy the standards of this subpart.
(b) For part 91 training providers, training programs will be
approved for 24 months, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.
(c) The Administrator may require revision of an approved MU-2B
training program at any time.
(d) A training provider must present its approved training program
and FAA approval documentation to any representative of the
Administrator, upon request.
Sec. 91.1711 Aeronautical experience.
No person may act as a pilot in command of a Mitsubishi MU-2B
series airplane for the purpose of flight unless that person holds an
airplane category and multi-engine land class rating, and has logged a
minimum of 100 flight hours of PIC time in multi-engine airplanes.
Sec. 91.1713 Instruction, checking, and evaluation.
(a) Flight Instructor (Airplane). No flight instructor may provide
instruction or conduct a flight review in a Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane unless that flight instructor
(1) Meets the pilot training and documentation requirements of
Sec. 91.1705 before giving flight instruction in the Mitsubishi MU-2B
series airplane;
(2) Meets the currency requirements of Sec. Sec. 91.1715(a) and
91.1715(c)
(3) Has a minimum total pilot time of 2,000 pilot-in-command hours
and 800 pilot-in-command hours in multiengine airplanes; and
(4) Has:
(i) 300 pilot-in-command hours in the Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane, 50 hours of which must have been within the preceding 12
months; or
(ii) 100 pilot-in-command hours in the Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane, 25 hours of which must have been within the preceding 12
months, and 300 hours providing instruction in a FAA-approved
Mitsubishi MU-2B simulator or FAA-approved Mitsubishi MU-2B flight
training device, 25 hours of which must have been within the preceding
12 months.
(b) Flight Instructor (Simulator/Flight Training Device). No flight
instructor may provide instruction for the Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane unless that instructor meets the requirements of this
paragraph--
(1) Each flight instructor who provides flight training for the
Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane must meet the pilot training and
documentation requirements of Sec. 91.1705 before giving flight
instruction for the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane;
(2) Each flight instructor who provides flight training for the
Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane must meet the currency requirements of
Sec. 91.1715(c) before giving flight instruction for the Mitsubishi
MU-2B series airplane;
(3) Each flight instructor who provides flight training for the
Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane must have:
(i) A minimum total pilot time of 2000 pilot-in-command hours and
800 pilot-in-command hours in multiengine airplanes; and
(ii) Within the preceding 12 months, either 50 hours of Mitsubishi
MU-2B series airplane pilot-in-command experience or 50 hours providing
simulator or flight training device instruction for the Mitsubishi MU-
2B.
(c) Checking and evaluation. No person may provide checking or
evaluation for the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane unless that person
meets the requirements of this paragraph--
(1) For the purpose of checking, designated pilot examiners,
training center evaluators, and check airmen must have completed the
appropriate training in the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane in
accordance with Sec. 91.1705;
(2) For checking conducted in the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane,
each designated pilot examiner and check airman must have 100 hours
pilot-in-command flight time in the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane
and maintain currency in accordance with Sec. 91.1715.
[[Page 61594]]
Sec. 91.1715 Currency requirements and flight review.
(a) The takeoff and landing currency requirements of Sec. 61.57 of
this chapter must be maintained in the Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplane. Takeoff and landings in other multiengine airplanes do not
meet the takeoff landing currency requirements for the Mitsubishi MU-2B
series airplane. Takeoff and landings in either the short-body or long-
body Mitsubishi MU-2B model airplane may be credited toward takeoff and
landing currency for both Mitsubishi MU-2B model groups.
(b) Instrument experience obtained in other category and class of
aircraft may be used to satisfy the instrument currency requirements of
Sec. 61.57 of this chapter for the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane.
(c) Satisfactory completion of a flight review to satisfy the
requirements of Sec. 61.56 of this chapter is valid for operation of a
Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane only if that flight review is
conducted in a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane or an MU-2B Simulator
approved for landings with an approved course conducted under part 142
of this chapter. The flight review for Mitsubishi MU-2B series
airplanes must include the Special Emphasis Items, and all items listed
in the Training Course Final Phase Check in accordance with an approved
MU-2B Training Program.
(d) A person who successfully completes the Initial/transition,
Requalification, or Recurrent training requirements under Sec. 91.1705
of this chapter also meet the requirements of Sec. 61.56 of this
chapter and need not accomplish a separate flight review provided that
at least 1 hour of the flight training was conducted in the Mitsubishi
MU-2B series airplane or an MU-2B Simulator approved for landings with
an approved course conducted under part 142 of this chapter.
Sec. 91.1717 Operating requirements.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person
may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane in single pilot operations
unless that airplane has a functional autopilot.
(b) A person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane in single
pilot operations without a functional autopilot when--
(1) Operating under day visual flight rule requirements; or
(2) Authorized under a FAA approved minimum equipment list for that
airplane, operating under instrument flight rule requirements in
daytime visual meteorological conditions.
(c) No person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane unless
a copy of the appropriate Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B Airplane
Flight Manual is carried on board the airplane and is accessible during
each flight at the pilot station.
(d) No person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane unless
an MU-2B series airplane checklist, appropriate for the model being
operated and accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration MU-2B
Flight Standardization Board, is accessible for each flight at the
pilot station and is used by the flight crewmembers when operating the
airplane.
(e) No person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane
contrary to the standards of this subpart.
(f) If there are any differences between the training and operating
requirements of this subpart and the MU-2B Airplane Flight Manual's
procedures sections (Normal, Abnormal, and Emergency) and the MU-2B
airplane series checklist incorporated by reference in Sec. 91.1721,
the person operating the airplane must operate the airplane in
accordance with the training specified in this subpart.
Sec. 91.1719 Credit for prior training.
Initial/transition, requalification, recurrent or Level B
differences training conducted prior to November 7, 2016, compliant
with SFAR No. 108, Section 3 of this part, is considered to be
compliant with this subpart, if the student met the eligibility
requirements for the applicable category of training and the student's
instructor met the experience requirements of this subpart.
Sec. 91.1721 Incorporation by reference.
(a) The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B Cockpit Checklists are
incorporated by reference into this part. The Director of the Federal
Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for
inspection at U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Management
Facility, Room W 12-140, West Building Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey
Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001, or at the National Archives and
Records Administration, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(b) Turbine Aircraft Services, Inc., 4550 Jimmy Doolittle Drive,
Addison, Texas 75001, USA.
(1) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B Checklists:
(i) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-60, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
Document No. YET06220C, accepted by FSB on February 12, 2007.
(ii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-40, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
Document No. YET06256A, accepted by FSB on February 12, 2007.
(iii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-36A, Type Certificate A10SW,
MHI Document No. YET06257B, accepted by FSB on February 12, 2007.
(iv) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-36, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06252B, accepted by FSB on February 12, 2007.
(v) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-35, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06251B, accepted by FSB on February 12, 2007.
(vi) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-30, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06250A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(vii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-26A, Type Certificate A10SW,
MHI Document No. YET06255A, accepted by FSB on February 12, 2007.
(viii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-26, Type Certificate A2PC,
MHI Document No. YET06249A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(ix) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-26, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
Document No. YET06254A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(x) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-25, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
Document No. YET06253A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(xi) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-25, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06248A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(xii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-20, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06247A, accepted by FSB on February 12, 2007.
(xv) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-15, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06246A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(xvi) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B-10, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06245A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(xvii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU-2B, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
Document No. YET06244A, accepted by FSB on March 2, 2007.
(2) [Reserved]
PART 135--OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: COMMUTER AND ON DEMAND OPERATIONS
AND RULES GOVERNING PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT
0
6. The authority citation for part 135 continues to read as follows:
[[Page 61595]]
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 41706, 40113, 44701-44702,
44705, 44709, 44711-44713, 44715-44717, 44722, 44730, 45101-45105;
Pub. L. 112-95, 126 Stat. 58 (49 U.S.C. 44730).
0
7. Remove Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 108.
Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 44701(a),
and 44703 in Washington, DC, on July 11, 2016.
Michael P. Huerta,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-21356 Filed 9-6-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P