Mitsubishi Indemnification Requirement Raises Concerns

Having artfully tackled the safety issues associated with the Cessna Caravan, the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association is now turning its attention to the Mitsubishi MU-2 as the result of a proposed special federal aviation regulation. The organization is particularly concerned with an agreement required by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of America (MHIA) when it released a new training syllabus covering the troubled aircraft. The agreement holds MHIA harmless from any future liability and RACCA is requesting the FAA help revise or eliminate the requirement. In formal comments to the SFAR docket, RACCA said the requirement conflicts "with the spirit in which the training program was developed, and [is] one which most prudent operators would be reluctant to sign."