FAR 91.1717 — MU-2B Operating Requirements
FAR 91.1717 covers Mitsubishi MU-2B operating rules: autopilot requirement for single-pilot ops, required AFM, checklist use, and training precedence.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1717 sets specific operating rules for the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane. The regulation reflects the FAA's Special Federal Aviation Regulation for this aircraft, which has unique handling characteristics requiring strict standardization.
Key requirements:
- Functional autopilot is required for single-pilot operations, except when (1) flying under day VFR, or (2) authorized by an FAA-approved MEL while operating IFR in daytime VMC.
- The appropriate Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) must be carried on board and accessible at the pilot station on every flight.
- An FAA MU-2B Flight Standardization Board–accepted checklist, matching the model flown, must be accessible at the pilot station and actually used by the flight crew.
- The airplane must not be operated contrary to the standards of this subpart.
- If the AFM Normal, Abnormal, or Emergency procedures or the checklist conflict with this subpart's training and operating requirements, the training in this subpart controls.
Why it matters: the MU-2B has had targeted FAA oversight due to its accident history, so following these rules is both a regulatory and a safety necessity.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1717§ 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 § 91.1721, the person operating the airplane must operate the airplane in accordance with the training specified in this subpart.
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You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1When can you fly an MU-2B single-pilot without a functional autopilot?
Per FAR 91.1717(b), only when operating under day VFR, or when authorized by an FAA-approved MEL while operating IFR in daytime VMC.
Q2What documents and checklists must be on board and used during MU-2B operations?
FAR 91.1717(c) and (d) require the appropriate Mitsubishi MU-2B Airplane Flight Manual to be carried and accessible at the pilot station, and an FSB-accepted MU-2B checklist for the specific model to be accessible and used by the flight crew.
Q3If the MU-2B AFM procedures conflict with the training requirements of Subpart N, which one do you follow?
FAR 91.1717(f) states the pilot must operate the airplane in accordance with the training specified in the subpart, which takes precedence over conflicting AFM Normal, Abnormal, or Emergency procedures or checklist items.
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§91.155 visibility & cloud clearance by airspace
§91.117 Aircraft Speed Limits
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§91.205 required equipment for VFR day & night
§91.413 Transponder Recertification
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Related Sections in Part 91