FAR 91.1703 — MU-2B Training Requirements
FAR 91.1703 sets who may fly the Mitsubishi MU-2B and when Initial, Requalification, Recurrent, or Differences training is required.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1703 controls who is qualified to operate the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane. Unless an exception applies, no one may manipulate the controls, act as PIC or SIC, or give pilot training in an MU-2B without meeting the special training requirements of Subpart N.
A non-qualified pilot may still manipulate the controls if a qualified PIC is at a pilot station, no passengers or cargo are aboard, and the flight is for one of these purposes:
- The PIC is providing pilot training to the manipulator;
- The PIC is conducting a maintenance test flight with a second pilot or certificated mechanic; or
- The PIC is conducting simulated instrument flight using a safety pilot under § 91.109(b).
Training categories under this section:
- Initial/Transition training is required if the pilot has fewer than 50 hours PIC in an MU-2B in the past 24 months, or fewer than 500 hours total PIC time in type.
- Requalification may be taken instead of Initial/Transition if those experience thresholds are met.
- Recurrent training is required every 12 months; Initial/Transition or Requalification within the past 12 months satisfies it.
- Differences training is required if operating more than one MU-2B model (see § 91.1707(c)).
Initial/Transition or Requalification is a one-time requirement, though either may be retaken in place of Recurrent.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1703§ 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 § 91.109(b).
(c) A person is required to completeif 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 receivein 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 completewithin 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 § 91.1707(c).
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Who is allowed to act as PIC of a Mitsubishi MU-2B?
Per FAR 91.1703(a), only a person who meets the training and eligibility requirements of Subpart N may act as PIC, SIC, manipulate the controls, or provide pilot training in an MU-2B.
Q2Can a pilot who hasn't completed MU-2B training ever fly the airplane?
Yes. FAR 91.1703(b) allows a non-qualified pilot to manipulate the controls only if a qualified PIC occupies a pilot station, no passengers or cargo are aboard, and the flight is for pilot training, a maintenance test flight, or simulated instrument flight with a safety pilot under § 91.109(b).
Q3How often is Recurrent training required, and what can satisfy it?
FAR 91.1703(e) requires Recurrent training within the preceding 12 months, and successful completion of Initial/Transition or Requalification training within that period satisfies the Recurrent requirement.
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Related Sections in Part 91