Comments Pour In on New MU-2 Training Requirements

FAA received more than 72 comments on its Special SFAR calling for MU-2 pilots to have initial, transition and requalification training to help them deal with the impact of icing conditions. The FAA, which allowed only 30 days for comments, queried industry on why MU-2 accident rates are higher for those who did not have special training and whether or not enough resources exist to meet the requalification needs. While many called for more stringent training, others indicated that problems associated with the MU-2 had more to do with pilot judgment than anything else. Other comments centered on the autopilot requirement.