81_FR_61756 81 FR 61583 - MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements Update

81 FR 61583 - MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements Update

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 173 (September 7, 2016)

Page Range61583-61595
FR Document2016-21356

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.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 173 (Wednesday, September 7, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 173 (Wednesday, September 7, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61583-61595]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21356]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

========================================================================


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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                The new part 91,       Description of
    Old section/paragraph      Subpart N reference         change
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.thefederalregister.org/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



                                                                                                                                                                                            61583

                                           Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                         Vol. 81, No. 173

                                                                                                                                                         Wednesday, September 7, 2016



                                           This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    removal of SFAR No. 108 to part 91                    Comments Invited
                                           contains regulatory documents having general            which is effective on November 7, 2017.
                                           applicability and legal effect, most of which           The compliance date for this final rule                  Although the FAA is inviting
                                           are keyed to and codified in the Code of                is November 7, 2016. The incorporation                comments, we have made the
                                           Federal Regulations, which is published under           by reference of certain publications                  determination to adopt this final rule
                                           50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.                                                                         without prior notice and public
                                                                                                   listed in the rule is approved by the
                                           The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by              Director of the Federal Register as of                comment in order to mitigate the safety
                                           the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of              September 7, 2016.                                    risks where current Special Federal
                                           new books are listed in the first FEDERAL                  Submit comments on or before                       Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 108
                                           REGISTER issue of each week.                            November 7, 2016.                                     conflicts with the FAA’s current policy
                                                                                                   ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                   and guidance. The Regulatory Policies
                                                                                                   by docket number FAA–2006–24981                       and Procedures of the Department of
                                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            using any of the following methods:                   Transportation (DOT), 44 FR 1134
                                                                                                      • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                (February 26, 1979), provide that to the
                                           Federal Aviation Administration                         http://www.regulations.gov and follow                 maximum extent possible, operating
                                                                                                   the online instructions for sending your              administrations for the DOT should
                                           14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 135                                comments electronically.                              provide an opportunity for public
                                           [Docket No.: FAA–2006–24981; Amdt. Nos.                    • Mail: Send comments to Docket                    comment on regulations issued without
                                           61–138, 91–344, and 135–134]                            Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of                  prior notice.
                                                                                                   Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey
                                           RIN 2120–AK63
                                                                                                   Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                        Authority for This Rulemaking
                                           MU–2B Series Airplane Training                          Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC
                                                                                                   20590–0001.                                              The FAA’s authority to issue rules on
                                           Requirements Update
                                                                                                      • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take                   aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the
                                           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               comments to Docket Operations in                      United States Code (U.S.C.). Subtitle I,
                                           Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Room W12–140 of the West Building                     Section 106 describes the authority of
                                           ACTION: Final rule; request for                         Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                       the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
                                           comments.                                               Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                 Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                                                                                   a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                       detail the scope of the agency’s
                                           SUMMARY:    This action relocates and                   Friday, except Federal holidays.                      authority.
                                           updates the content of SFAR No. 108 to                     • Fax: Fax comments to Docket                         This rulemaking is promulgated
                                           the newly created subpart N of part 91                  Operations at 202–493–2251.
                                                                                                                                                         under the authority described in
                                           in order to improve the safety of                          Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C.
                                           operating the Mitsubishi Heavy                          553(c), DOT solicits comments from the                Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
                                           Industries (MHI) MU–2B series airplane.                 public to better inform its rulemaking                44701, ‘‘General Requirements.’’ Under
                                           SFAR No. 108 will be eliminated from                    process. DOT posts these comments,                    that section, Congress charged the FAA
                                           the Code of Federal Regulations on                      without edit, including any personal                  with prescribing regulations that set the
                                           November 7, 2017, after which time all                  information the commenter provides, to                minimum standards for practices,
                                           MU–2B operators must comply with                        www.regulations.gov, as described in                  methods, and procedures necessary for
                                           this subpart. The FAA is relocating the                 the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–                safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                           training program from the SFAR No. 108                  14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at                    is within the scope of that authority
                                           appendices to advisory material in order                www.dot.gov/privacy.                                  because it will set the minimum level of
                                           to allow the FAA to update policy while                    Docket: Background documents or                    safety for operation of the Mitsubishi
                                           ensuring significant training                           comments received may be read at                      MU–2B.
                                           adjustments still go through notice-and-                http://www.regulations.gov at any time.                  SFAR No. 108 contained inaccurate
                                           comment rulemaking. The FAA is also                     Follow the online instructions for                    MU–2B flight training profiles, and the
                                           correcting and updating several                         accessing the docket or Docket                        National Transportation Safety Board
                                           inaccurate maneuver profiles to reflect                 Operations in Room W12–140 of the
                                                                                                                                                         (NTSB) recommended that the FAA
                                           current FAA training philosophy and                     West Building Ground Floor at 1200
                                                                                                                                                         remedy these inaccuracies as soon as is
                                           adding new FAA procedures not                           New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                                                                   DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                 practical due to serious safety concerns
                                           previously part of the MU–2B training
                                                                                                   through Friday, except Federal holidays.              (NTSB Rec. A–14–96 and –97). The
                                           under SFAR No. 108. This rule will
                                           require all MU–2B training programs to                                                                        FAA concludes that immediate action is
                                                                                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
                                           meet the requirements of this subpart                                                                         necessary to correct the inaccuracies in
                                                                                                   technical questions concerning this
                                           and to be approved by the FAA to                        action, contact Joseph Hemler,                        SFAR No. 108 and, therefore, finds that
                                           ensure safety is maintained. As a result                Commercial Operations Branch, Flight                  notice and public comment under 5
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           of this action, operators, training                     Standards Service, AFS–820, Federal                   U.S.C. 553(b) are impracticable and
                                           providers, and safety officials will have               Aviation Administration, 55 M Street                  contrary to the public interest. Further,
                                           more timely access to standardized,                     SE., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20003–                 the FAA finds that good cause exists
                                           accurate training material.                             3522; telephone (202) 267–1100; email                 under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this
                                           DATES: This rule is effective on                        joseph.k.hemler-jr@faa.gov.                           rule effective immediately upon
                                           September 7, 2016, except for the                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            publication.


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                           61584        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           I. Final Rule With Request for                             Additionally, since the publication of              requirements, policy, guidance and safe
                                           Comments                                                SFAR No. 108, the FAA has approved                     operating practices set forth in the
                                              Special Federal Aviation Regulation                  the use of Continued Descent Final                     Airline Transport Pilot Practical Test
                                           No. 108 mandated training, experience,                  Approach (CDFA) procedures in all                      Standards (PTS), Commercial Pilot PTS,
                                           and operating requirements to improve                   training programs, including the                       FAA Notice N8900.205, Enhanced Stall
                                           the safety of operating the MHI MU–2B                   training programs for the MU–2B. The                   and Stick Pusher Training; Advisory
                                           series airplane. The SFAR contained                     MU–2B FAA Flight Standardization                       Circular (AC) 120–109, Stall and Stick
                                           inaccurate training maneuver profiles                   Board (FSB) 1 subsequently included                    Pusher Training, and AC 120–108,
                                           and is misaligned with current FAA                      CDFA profiles in its FSB Report for use                Continuous Descent Final Approach
                                           flight training policy. This action                     in MU–2B training programs. Because                    (CDFA). SFAR No. 108 conflicted with
                                           corrects safety-related inaccuracies in                 the FAA did not include CDFA                           FAA guidance in the following
                                           the regulation and streamlines the                      procedures in SFAR No. 108, pilots                     instances:
                                           process for updating MU–2B flight                       were not permitted to train on these                      First, SFAR No. 108 mandated power
                                           training requirements by removing them                  procedures or operate the aircraft                     and trim settings for the demonstration
                                           from regulations and placing them in                    consistent with them.                                  of a one-engine-inoperative maneuver
                                           advisory material. This change will                        In 2012, the FAA revised its stall                  with loss of directional control. Those
                                           permit the FAA to be more responsive                    recognition and recovery procedures for                settings did not meet the safety
                                           by issuing guidance should any                          all aircraft and all training programs by              standards of current FAA guidance and
                                           inaccuracies be discovered or should                    removing the emphasis to ensure a                      best practices. The ‘‘One Engine
                                           training requirements or policy need to                 ‘‘minimum loss of altitude’’ when                      Inoperative Maneuvering—Loss of
                                           be revised and updated in the future. As                performing stall training maneuvers and                Directional Control’’ profile in the SFAR
                                           a result of this action, pilots, operators,             by emphasizing a positive reduction in                 differed from current FAA guidance and
                                           training providers, and safety officials                angle of attack procedure as the proper                best practices described in the FAA
                                           will have more timely and accurate                      stall recovery method (Advisory                        Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA–H–
                                           training material.                                      Circular (AC) 120–109). The FAA also                   8083–3A).
                                                                                                   introduced the use of ‘‘startle factor’’                  Second, CDFA Procedures published
                                           II. Background                                          training through the use of the autopilot              in AC 120–108 and published in the
                                           A. Background                                           during stall recognition and recovery                  MU–2 FSB Report, Revision 4, were not
                                                                                                   practice in all aircraft training programs.            included in the training profiles in
                                              In 2008, the FAA published SFAR No.                                                                         SFAR No. 108. Though published in the
                                           108 to mandate flight training and                      However, the FAA did not include the
                                                                                                   ‘‘startle factor’’ training in SFAR No.                MU–2 FSB Report, Revision 4, CDFA
                                           experience requirements for operators of                                                                       procedures were not included in the
                                           the MHI MU–2B twin-turboprop                            108.
                                                                                                      Both MHIA and TAS requested by                      SFAR No. 108 flight training profiles
                                           aircraft. The rule became effective in                                                                         and therefore operators could not use
                                           2009 and did not have an expiration                     letter in early 2012 that the FAA change
                                                                                                   the MU–2B flight training profiles in                  these procedures while operating an
                                           date. The flight training and experience                                                                       MU–2B.
                                           requirements were based on an FAA                       SFAR No. 108 and make them
                                                                                                   consistent with the new stall                             Third, SFAR No. 108 stall-recovery
                                           safety evaluation of the aircraft, which                                                                       profiles required operators to perform
                                           has unique control surfaces and                         recognition and recovery procedures.
                                                                                                   They also suggested the FAA remove                     all stall recoveries with a ‘‘minimal loss
                                           characteristics. There is a fleet of                                                                           of altitude.’’ This was inconsistent with
                                           approximately 300 aircraft operating                    the flight training maneuver profiles
                                                                                                   from SFAR No. 108, for ease of                         stall recovery guidance because the FAA
                                           today in accordance with 14 CFR parts                                                                          now emphasizes successful recovery
                                           91 and 135. In the 20 years leading up                  subsequent modification in the event of
                                                                                                   regulatory or training procedural                      from a stall over minimizing the loss of
                                           to SFAR No. 108, the MU–2B series                                                                              altitude which can lead to a secondary
                                           aircraft experienced 80 accidents with                  changes made by the FAA. The FAA
                                                                                                   recognized that proper stall recognition               stall. Recent changes to the FAA’s stall
                                           40 fatalities. Since the effective date of                                                                     training policy in AC 120–109 and PTS
                                           SFAR No. 108, there have only been two                  and recovery is a safety-of-flight concern
                                                                                                   and concurred that distributing                        created conflicts with several flight
                                           fatal accidents. In addition to                                                                                profiles.
                                           experience and annual training                          information on how to recover from a
                                                                                                   stall was essential to proper MU–2B                       Finally, as identified by Aircraft
                                           requirements for pilots, SFAR No. 108                                                                          Evaluation Group (AEG) of the Flight
                                           mandated training curriculum and flight                 training and safety of flight.
                                                                                                                                                          Standards Service and MHI, SFAR No.
                                           profiles for operators and training                     B. Statement of the Problem                            108 mandates several airspeeds in
                                           providers.                                                                                                     appendix D flight profiles that are
                                                                                                     There were a number of conflicts
                                              Following the issuance of SFAR No.                                                                          incorrect.
                                                                                                   between SFAR No. 108 and best
                                           108 on February 5, 2008, with a
                                                                                                   practices and FAA guidance, which                      C. NTSB Recommendations
                                           compliance date of February 5, 2009,
                                                                                                   demonstrate a better safety record. The
                                           Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of America                                                                           On October 23, 2014, NTSB urged the
                                                                                                   FAA’s Kansas City Aircraft Evaluation
                                           (MHIA) and Turbine Aircraft Services                                                                           FAA to take action on the safety
                                                                                                   Group (AEG) 2 and MHI have
                                           (TAS), an industry party, began an                                                                             recommendations derived from the
                                           evaluation to identify errors in flight                 documented that the SFAR conflicted
                                                                                                                                                          NTSB’s investigation of a Mitsubishi
                                           profiles published in SFAR No. 108. At                  with new and revised FAA training
                                                                                                                                                          MU–2B–25 airplane accident in
                                           that time, minor spelling errors and                       1 An FSB’s primary responsibility is to determine
                                                                                                                                                          Owasso, Oklahoma. (NTSB Rec. A–14–
                                           technical items were identified.                        requirements for pilot type ratings, to develop        96 and –97). These recommendations
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           Additionally, MHIA and TAS notified                     minimum training recommendations, and to ensure        addressed operational training and
                                           the FAA of at least one error in                        flight crew member competency. 8900.1, Volume 8,       checklist usage for Mitsubishi MU–2B
                                           procedure in the One Engine                             Chapter 2, Section 5.
                                                                                                      2 The AEG serves as Flight Standard Service
                                                                                                                                                          series airplanes.
                                           Inoperative Maneuvering Loss of                         (AFS) technical subject matter experts for
                                                                                                                                                            The NTSB’s investigation found that
                                           Directional Control (Vmc                                operational and engineering activities. 8900.1,        since SFAR No. 108 became effective in
                                           Demonstration) profile.                                 Volume 8, Chapter 2, Section 2.                        2008, the FAA has revised its general


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00002   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                                  61585

                                           stall recovery guidance and procedures                             from the SFAR such that any updates to                               training, the FAA is removing all
                                           for stall and stick pusher training for                            the profiles can be made without having                              appendices to SFAR No. 108 which
                                           pilot certification and evaluation                                 to go through the rulemaking process.’’                              contained many prescriptive
                                           contained in AC 120–109, dated August                              The FAA interprets this                                              requirements. With implementation of
                                           6, 2012. Advisory Circular 120–109                                 recommendation from the NTSB to                                      this rule, all MU–2B training must take
                                           introduced a procedure for stall                                   mean that the more prescriptive rule in                              place under an FAA approved MU–2B
                                           recovery that conflicted with related                              SFAR No. 108 should be revised to a                                  training program. Approval of all MU–
                                           instruction provided in the SFAR.                                  more flexible rule, such as a                                        2B training programs will be based on
                                           Therefore, the NTSB recommended in                                 performance standard. This change will                               whether that program meets the
                                           NTSB recommendation A–14–96 that                                   allow flight training profiles to be                                 standards of § 91.1705(h).
                                           the FAA revise, as soon as is practical,                           updated more rapidly in response to
                                                                                                              improved training best practices and                                    The following figure describes the
                                           the ‘‘Approach to Stall’’ flight profile                                                                                                changes made from SFAR No. 108 as a
                                           currently contained in SFAR No. 108 so                             guidance, thus improving operational
                                                                                                              safety of the MU–2B aircraft.                                        result of this final rule and this
                                           that it is consistent with AC 120–109.                                                                                                  references the specific sections in the
                                              The NTSB also recommended in                                    III. Discussion of Final Rule                                        codifications of these requirements in
                                           recommendation A–14–97 that ‘‘the                                     In order to provide a more flexible                               part 91.
                                           FAA separate the flight training profiles                          regulatory framework for MU–2B

                                              FIGURE 1—SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO SPECIAL FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATION NO. 108 MADE BY THIS FINAL RULE
                                                            Old section/paragraph                                  The new part 91, Subpart N reference                                         Description of change

                                           Section 1, Applicability .......................................   § 91.1701       Applicability ...................................    Provides new compliance dates.
                                                                                                                                                                                   References approved MU–2B training pro-
                                                                                                                                                                                     gram.
                                           Section 2, Compliance and eligibility .................            § 91.1703       Compliance and Eligibility .............             No substantive changes.
                                                                                                                                                                                   Minor language change in paragraph (b) for
                                                                                                                                                                                     clarity.
                                                                                                                                                                                   Paragraph (g) revised to reference approved
                                                                                                                                                                                     training program, adds a cross-reference to
                                                                                                                                                                                     § 91.1705(h).
                                           Section 3, Required pilot training .......................         § 91.1705       Required Pilot Training .................            No change other than to revise cross-ref-
                                           Paragraphs (a) through (g) ................................                                                                               erences and reference approved training
                                                                                                                                                                                     programs.
                                           Table 1, Manufacturer’s checklists .....................           § 91.1705(g) .....................................................   No change.
                                           Section 4, Aeronautical experience ....................            § 91.1711 Training Program Approval ...........                      No change.
                                           Section 5, Instruction, checking and evaluation                    § 91.1713 Instruction, Checking, and Evalua-                         No change.
                                                                                                                 tion.
                                           Section 6, Currency requirements and flight re-                    § 91.1715 Currency Requirements and Flight                           No change.
                                             view.                                                               Review.
                                           Section 7, Operating requirements ....................             § 91.1717 Operating Requirements ...............                     No change.
                                           Section 8, Credit for prior training ......................        § 91.1719 Credit for Prior Testing .................                 Updated to give credit for previous training
                                                                                                                                                                                     under SFAR No. 108.
                                           Section 9, Incorporation by reference ................             § 91.1721       Incorporation by Reference ..........                Revised to address current incorporation by
                                                                                                                                                                                     reference requirements.
                                           Section 10, Expiration ........................................    No Expiration ...................................................    No change.
                                           Appendix A, MU–2B General Training Require-                        § 91.1707(a), § 91.1707(b), § 91.1707(c) .........                   Removed.
                                             ments.                                                                                                                                Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3 moved to
                                                                                                                                                                                     § 91.1707.
                                           Appendix B, MU–2B Ground Training Cur-                             § 91.1705(h)(1) .................................................    Removed.
                                             riculum Contents.                                                                                                                     Training program standard added to
                                                                                                                                                                                     § 91.1705(h)(1).
                                           Appendix C, MU–2B Final Phase Check and                            § 91.1705(h)(3) .................................................    Removed.
                                             Flight Training Requirements.                                                                                                         Phase check requirements added to
                                                                                                                                                                                     § 91.1705(h)(3).
                                           Appendix D, MU–2B Maneuver Profiles ............                   § 91.1705(h)(2) .................................................    Removed.
                                                                                                                                                                                   Training program standard added to
                                                                                                                                                                                     § 91.1705(h)(2).



                                              The following discussion describes                              replaces the prescriptive content of the                             training programs and allow training
                                           the training program standard                                      former SFAR No. 108’s appendices.                                    providers to keep training programs up
                                           established for MU–2B training and                                 Paragraph 91.1705(h) requires all MU–                                to date with current best practices while
                                           contained in subpart N of part 91. These                           2B training programs to include a                                    ensuring that the programs meet the
                                           standards are found in § 91.1705(h), and                           ground training curriculum, a flight                                 FAA’s safety standards. By placing the
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           an example of a training program                                   training curriculum, differences training                            specific guidance regarding training
                                           implementing these standards may be                                for operators of modified MU–2B                                      program content in an AC, the FAA will
                                           found in Advisory Circular                                         aircraft, icing training, and training                               ensure that the training program specific
                                           accompanying this rule.                                            program hours for ground and flight                                  guidelines can be updated as agency
                                              Paragraph 91.1705(h) contains the                               training. The standard in § 91.1705(h)                               safety philosophy regarding training
                                           training program standard which                                    will allow for updates to MU–2B                                      evolves. However, the requirements for


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014      14:50 Sep 06, 2016      Jkt 238001    PO 00000      Frm 00003      Fmt 4700      Sfmt 4700     E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM        07SER1


                                           61586        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           the training program will be retained in                   • One engine inoperative                           who operate multiple versions of the
                                           the regulations, ensuring that significant              maneuvering with a loss of directional                MU–2B aircraft are adequately trained
                                           training adjustments would go through                   control;                                              to safely operate various MU–2B
                                           notice and comment rulemaking.                             • Approach to stall in clean                       configurations. MU–2B differences
                                              As required by § 91.1705(h)(1), an                   configuration and with wings level;                   requirements have been removed from
                                           MU–2B training program must include                        • Approach to stall in takeoff                     Appendix A of SFAR No. 108 and are
                                           a ground training curriculum sufficient                 configuration with 15- to 30- degrees                 now specified in § 91.1705(h)(4).
                                           to ensure pilot knowledge of MU–2B                      bank;                                                 Section 91.1705(h)(4) only includes
                                           aircraft systems and procedures                            • Approach to stall in landing                     differences for factory type design MU–
                                           necessary for safe operation and                        configuration with gear down and 40-                  2 aircraft while other applicable MU–2
                                           proficient pilot knowledge of MU–2B                     degrees of flaps;                                     differences are required by other FAA
                                           aircraft. The FAA has replaced the                         • Accelerated stall with no flaps;                 approved training programs (e.g. part
                                           prescriptive list of specific items listed                 • Emergency descent at low speed;                  135 and 142 operations) and AC 91–
                                           in Appendix B to SFAR No. 108 with                         • Emergency descent at high speed;                 MU2B. The hours requirement for
                                           this performance standard.                                 • Unusual attitude recovery with the               Differences Training can be found in
                                              As required by § 91.1705(h)(2), an                   nose high;                                            § 91.1707(c). Differences other than
                                           MU–2B training program must also                           • Unusual attitude recovery with the               factory type design MU–2B differences
                                           include a flight training curriculum                    nose low;                                             applicable to MU–2B aircraft are highly
                                           with flight training maneuver profiles                     • Normal landing with 20- and 40-                  recommended for part 91 MU–2B
                                           sufficient in number and detail to                      degrees flaps;                                        training. Due to the magnitude of these
                                                                                                      • Go around and rejected landing;                  changes to the MU–2B fleet, additional
                                           ensure pilot proficiency in all MU–2B
                                                                                                      • No flaps or 5- degrees flaps landing;            training is necessary to ensure pilot
                                           operations for each MU–2B Model in
                                                                                                      • One engine inoperative landing                   proficiency.
                                           accordance with MU–2B aircraft
                                                                                                   with 5- and 20- degrees of flaps;                        As required by § 91.1705(h)(5), an
                                           limitations, procedures, and MU–2B                         • Crosswind landing;
                                           cockpit checklist 3 procedures                                                                                MU–2B training program must also
                                                                                                      • Instrument landing system (ILS)                  include icing training sufficient to
                                           applicable to the MU–2B Model being                     and missed approach;                                  ensure pilot knowledge and safe
                                           trained. Examples of MU–2B flight                          • Two engine missed approach;                      operation of the MU–2B aircraft in icing
                                           training maneuver profiles may be                          • One engine inoperative ILS and                   conditions as established by
                                           found in the FAA recommended MU–                        missed approach;                                      Airworthiness Directive 1997–20–14 or
                                           2B training program in the appendix of                     • One engine inoperative missed                    an Alternate Means of Compliance to
                                           Advisory Circular (AC) AC 91–MU2B                       approach;                                             Airworthiness Directive 2000–09–15, as
                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B Training Program.                         • Non-precision and missed                         amended.
                                              The FAA has included in subpart N                    approach;                                                As required by § 91.1705(h)(6), an
                                           of part 91 a list of specific maneuvers                    • Non-precision CDFA and missed                    MU–2B ground and flight training
                                           that an MU–2B training program must                     approach;                                             program must include the training hours
                                           include in order to ensure pilots are                      • One engine inoperative non-                      identified by § 91.1707(a) for ground
                                           adequately prepared for the unique                      precision and missed approach;                        instruction, § 91.1707(b) for flight
                                           safety challenges of operating an MU–                      • One engine inoperative non-                      instruction and § 91.1707(c) for
                                           2B. SFAR No. 108 was more                               precision CDFA and missed approach;                   differences training. These training
                                           prescriptive because it required these                     • Circling approach at weather                     hours are identical to SFAR–108
                                           maneuvers in addition to requiring                      minimums;                                             training hours which were initially
                                           operators to follow all specific airspeeds                 • One engine inoperative circling                  determined by the FAA’s MU–2B FSB
                                           and the order of procedures of the flight               approach at weather minimums.                         as the number of hours necessary to
                                           training maneuver profiles. The revised                    As required by § 91.1705(h)(3), an                 ensure the safe operation of the MU–2B
                                           regulation allows for maneuver profiles                 MU–2B training program must also                      aircraft.
                                           to be updated with developing training                  include a final phase check sufficient to                As required by § 91.1707(e), an MU–
                                           and operational best practices. In order                document pilot proficiency in the flight              2B training program must include
                                           to obtain FAA approval, an MU–2B                        maneuvers as specified in the approved                examples of endorsements for
                                           training program must contain the                       training programs phase check. This                   compliance with § 91.1705(f)
                                           following flight training maneuver                      standard replaces the final phase check               appropriate to the content of that
                                           profiles for the MU–2B Model being                      requirements in former Appendix C to                  specific MU–2B training program’s
                                           trained:                                                the SFAR No. 108.                                     compliance with the standards of SFAR
                                              • Normal takeoff with 5- and 20-                        As required by § 91.1705(h)(4), an                 No. 108. Section 91.1705(f) describes
                                           degrees of flaps;                                       MU–2B training program must also                      the endorsement required under
                                              • Takeoff engine failure with 5- and                 include differences training sufficient to            § 91.1705 (a) and (b) must be made by:
                                           20- degrees of flaps;                                   ensure pilot proficiency in each model                   (1) A certificated flight instructor
                                              • Takeoff engine failure on a runway                 of the MU–2B aircraft operated by a                   under part 61 or part 141 meeting the
                                           or a rejected takeoff;                                  pilot who operates multiple MU–2B                     qualifications of § 91.1713; or
                                              • Takeoff engine failure after liftoff               model variants concurrently. The                         (2) a training center evaluator
                                           when unable to climb. This maneuver                     differences training requirement is                   authorized by the FAA to conduct MU–
                                           may be completed in classroom or a                      unchanged from the prior version of                   2B evaluation events at a part 142
                                           flight training device only;                            SFAR No. 108. Due to the age of the                   Training Center meeting the
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                              • Steep turns;                                       MU–2B fleet currently in operation,                   qualifications of § 91.1713 or,
                                              • Slow flight maneuvers;                             many MU–2B aircraft have been                            (3) for persons operating the MU–2B
                                                                                                   modified from the original factory                    for a part 119 certificate holder within
                                             3 The MU–2B checklists were incorporated by           configuration. Therefore, the FAA will                the last 12 calendar months, the part
                                           reference into SFAR No. 108 by the Final Rule           continue to mandate differences training              119 certificate holder’s flight instructor
                                           published on 02/06/2008, 73 FR 7034.                    in order to ensure that those operators               if that instructor is authorized by the


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00004   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                         61587

                                           FAA meets the requirements of                           subpart N of part 91. Training providers              inoperative, required that the landing
                                           § 91.1713.                                              may also use this AC as a reference for               gear remain retracted until the pilot had
                                           This section has been revised to include                developing their own MU–2B training                   visual contact with the landing runway
                                           endorsements made by an authorized                      programs to submit for FAA approval                   environment. This SFAR 108 procedure
                                           simulator instructor at an FAA 142                      pursuant to § 91.1709. The AC includes                could have resulted in the pilot
                                           Training Center.                                        the SFAR No. 108 flight training                      forgetting to extend the landing gear
                                              As required by § 91.1709(a), to obtain               maneuver profiles with appropriate                    prior to landing and was seen by many
                                           approval for an MU–2B training                          revisions consistent with current                     as an unstabilized approach. It also
                                           program, training providers must submit                 training policy and guidance.                         could have resulted in under shooting
                                           a proposed training program to the                         The following updates have been                    the visual approach path to the runway,
                                           Administrator. Only training programs                   made to the MU–2B flight training                     causing a possible controlled-flight-into-
                                           approved by the Administrator may be                    profiles which have been removed from                 terrain (CFIT) accident.
                                           used to satisfy the standards of subpart                SFAR No. 108 and moved to AC 91–                         The SFAR 108 ‘‘dive and drive’’
                                           N of part 91. Training providers may                    MU2B.                                                 procedure, with gear extension
                                           submit for approval the most current                                                                          restrictions, was originally approved for
                                                                                                   One Engine Inoperative Maneuvering
                                           version of the appendix to AC 91–                                                                             the MU–2 by the FAA in 2006 during
                                                                                                   Loss of Directional Control
                                           MU2B, which the FAA has determined                                                                            the FSB review of the MU–2 single
                                           meets the standards of this subpart.                       The flight training maneuver profiles              engine capabilities. Demonstrations
                                              Parts 135, 141, and 142 training                     A–7, B–7, C–7 in the former Appendix                  showed a limited or negative climb
                                           providers must submit their proposed                    D of SFAR No. 108 were incorrect                      capability for the MU–2 with the gear in
                                           training program to their Principal                     regarding the procedures for setting                  the down position during single engine
                                           Operations Inspector (POI) or Training                  power and trim for the demonstration of               operations. Since most single engine
                                           Center Program Manager (TCPM) for                       the one-engine-inoperative maneuver                   non-precision approaches result in the
                                           approval and inclusion in their                         with a loss of directional control. The               need to maintain altitude for a period of
                                           approved training curriculum.                           appendix D profile called for the MU–                 time prior to final descent to the landing
                                              Part 91 training providers do not have               2B aircraft to be configured and                      runway, the FAA determined that a
                                           an established process for seeking                      trimmed for single engine flight prior to             non-standard landing gear configuration
                                           approval of a training program;                         starting the maneuver. The FAA’s                      would be necessary to safely accomplish
                                           therefore, part 91 training providers                   Airplane Flying Handbook calls for the                the level off. The ‘‘dive and drive’’
                                           must submit for approval a proposed                     aircraft to be trimmed for two-engine                 procedure is described in the AC 120–
                                           training program to their jurisdictional                flight at a slow airspeed and then for the            108.
                                           FAA Flight Standards District Office                    power to be configured for single engine                 The revised procedure allows the
                                           (FSDO). The term ‘part 91 training                      flight without re-trimming. Setting the               pilot the option to extend the landing
                                           providers’ refers to training providers                 configuration of the aircraft in the                  gear at the normal, final approach fix
                                           providing training under part 61                        manner SFAR No. 108 required results                  location and to fly a calculated glide
                                           authority for a part 91 operation. Part 91              in the rudder forces required prior to                path to the missed approach point, or
                                           training providers may submit for                       reaching the Velocity Minimum Control                 derived decision altitude. This revised
                                           approval the most current version of the                (Vmc) being less than the actual rudder               procedure prevents the need to maintain
                                           appendix to AC 91–MU2B which the                        forces required to maintain zero sideslip             altitude at the MDA with the gear down
                                           FAA has determined meets the                            flight. The consequence of setting the                which, in turn, improves safety. The
                                           standards of subpart N of part 91. The                  configuration in that manner promotes                 FAA recognizes this new procedure and
                                           FAA FSDO will issue a Letter of                         an adverse training condition causing                 the FSB and Aircraft Evaluations Group
                                           Authorization (LOA) to the training                     the pilot to under-control the aircraft in            (AEG) have now revised and published
                                           provider if the proposed training                       the event of an actual Vmc experience.                Revision 4 of the FSB Report for the
                                           program meets the standards of subpart                  The FAA has revised these maneuver                    MU–2. This version of the FSB Report
                                           N of part 91. For MU–2B training                        profiles to reflect the proper settings and           contains provisions for incorporating
                                           providers providing training under part                 relocated them to the AC. Section                     the new procedures into MU–2B
                                           91, training programs will be approved                  91.1705(h)(2) retains the requirement                 training and operation.
                                           for 24 months, unless sooner                            that MU–2B pilots train on this item.                    The CDFA procedure was not
                                           superseded or rescinded. For more                                                                             contained in the SFAR No. 108 flight
                                                                                                   Continued Descent Final Approach
                                           details on how to submit an MU–2B                                                                             training profiles. The FAA is adding
                                                                                                   (CDFA)
                                           training program for approval, please                                                                         CDFA procedures to the list of required
                                           see AC 91–MU2B.                                           An Advisory Circular (AC) published                 flight training procedures as an
                                              Under § 91.1709(a)(3), the                           on January 20, 2011, for all aircraft                 additional procedure in § 91.1705(h)(2).
                                           Administrator may require revision of                   operators, AC 120–108, would enhance                  These new profiles, in addition to the
                                           an approved MU–2B training program at                   the operational safety of an MU–2B                    existing profiles, have been relocated to
                                           any time. A training provider must                      aircraft during a non-precision                       AC 91–MU2B.
                                           present its approved training program                   instrument approach. The only non-
                                                                                                   precision approaches contained in the                 Stall Procedures
                                           and FAA approval documentation to
                                           any representative of the Administrator,                former version of SFAR No. 108 were                      Advisory Circular 120–109
                                           upon request.                                           those that use the ‘‘dive and drive’’                 introduced a new procedure for the
                                                                                                   method, which consists of descending                  proper recognition and recovery from a
                                           IV. Advisory Circular                                   immediately after the final approach fix              stall for all aircraft. The AC 120–109 is
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                             The FAA is publishing an approved                     to the Minimum Descent Altitude                       supplemented by Safety Advisory for
                                           MU–2B training program as an                            (MDA) and then leveling off until                     Operators (SAFO) 10012 standardizing
                                           appendix in the AC 91–MU2B                              reaching the next step down fix or the                the procedure for all aircraft and
                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B Training Program.                      missed approach point, as appropriate.                training programs. The latest revision of
                                           This AC may be used by training                         This SFAR 108 procedure, when                         the FAA’s Commercial Practical Test
                                           providers to meet the requirements of                   accomplished with one engine                          Standards calls for a change to the


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00005   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                           61588        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           standard for performance and                            Compliance Dates                                      intended regulation justify its costs.
                                           evaluation of stall procedures.                            As required by § 91.1701, after                    Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                              AC 120–109 resulted from an FAA                      November 7, 2016, all training                        of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–354) requires
                                           and industry study of two well-                         conducted in an MU–2B must follow an                  agencies to analyze the economic
                                           publicized accidents, Colgan Air Flight                 MU–2B training program that meets the                 impact of regulatory changes on small
                                           3407 and Air France Flight 447. In both                 standards of this Subpart of part 91.                 entities. Third, the Trade Agreements
                                           of these accidents, the pilots were not                 This 60-day period gives training                     Act (Pub. L. 96–39) prohibits agencies
                                           immediately aware that the aircraft were                providers time to adjust their training               from setting standards that create
                                           stalled, and the pilots did not attempt to              programs to meet the standards of this                unnecessary obstacles to the foreign
                                           recover correctly, resulting in the loss of             subpart and to seek FAA approval for                  commerce of the United States. In
                                           the aircraft and all passengers.                        training provider developed training                  developing U.S. standards, the Trade
                                              The maneuver profiles in SFAR No.                    programs.                                             Act requires agencies to consider
                                           108 (profiles A–8 through A–11. B–8                        Also required by § 91.1701, this                   international standards and, where
                                           through B–11, and C–8 through C–11)                     subpart is immediately applicable when                appropriate, that they be the basis of
                                           required operators to perform all stall                 effective to all persons who operate a                U.S. standards. Fourth, the Unfunded
                                           recoveries with a ‘‘minimal loss of                     Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane,                     Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L.
                                           altitude.’’ This standard of performance                including those who act as pilot-in-                  104–4) requires agencies to prepare a
                                           has been redefined for all FAA and                      command (PIC), act as second-in-                      written assessment of the costs, benefits,
                                           industry training for other aircraft, and               command (SIC), or other persons who                   and other effects of proposed or final
                                           new profiles have been published in                     manipulate the controls while under the               rules that include a Federal mandate
                                           MU–2B Training Program AC to instruct                   supervision of a PIC.                                 likely to result in the expenditure by
                                           pilots to perform a stall recovery using                   As required by § 91.1719, Initial/                 State, local, or tribal governments, in the
                                           a positive reduction of angle of attack                 transition, requalification, or recurrent             aggregate, or by the private sector, of
                                           method. This procedure change is                        training conducted prior to November 7,               $100 million or more annually (adjusted
                                           important to ensure that pilots safely                  2016, compliant with SFAR No. 108,                    for inflation with base year of 1995).
                                           recover from a stall and do not cause a                 Section 3, effective March 6, 2008, is                This portion of the preamble
                                           secondary stall of the aircraft.                        considered to be compliant with this                  summarizes the FAA’s analysis of the
                                              Also, in the past, during advanced                   subpart, if the student met the eligibility           economic impacts of this rule.
                                                                                                   requirements for the applicable category                 Department of Transportation Order
                                           training in high performance aircraft
                                                                                                   of training and the student’s instructor              DOT 2100.5 prescribes policies and
                                           like the MU–2B, pilot training did not
                                                                                                   met the experience requirements of this               procedures for simplification, analysis,
                                           include full stall recoveries.
                                                                                                   subpart. This 60-day period allows                    and review of regulations. If the
                                           Historically, recovery would be initiated
                                                                                                   current operators to continue training                expected cost impact is so minimal that
                                           at the first indication of the stall, which                                                                   a proposed or final rule does not
                                           in the case of the MU–2B is a stick                     under SFAR No. 108 and allows for a
                                                                                                   seamless transition to training programs              warrant a full evaluation, this order
                                           shaker vibrating the yoke in order to                                                                         permits that a statement to that effect
                                           warn the pilot of an impending stall.                   under this subpart.
                                                                                                      The FAA is immediately relocating                  and the basis for it are to be included
                                           Most MU–2B stall training never                                                                               in the preamble if a full regulatory
                                           reaches a full aerodynamic stall or even                and updating the content of SFAR No.
                                                                                                   108 to this subpart in order to be in                 evaluation of the cost and benefits is not
                                           pre-stall buffet. In those cases, recovery                                                                    prepared. Such a determination has
                                           without having to substantially lower                   accordance with current FAA policy
                                                                                                   regarding the safest and most effective               been made for this rule. The reasoning
                                           the nose of the aircraft is possible,                                                                         for this determination follows:
                                           resulting in a minimum loss of altitude.                means to conduct training in the area of
                                                                                                                                                            The purpose and benefit of this action
                                           In a full stall, however, a pilot must                  stall recognition and recovery,
                                                                                                                                                         is to correct safety related inaccuracies
                                           positively lower the nose to reattach the               continuous descent final approach
                                                                                                                                                         in the regulation and streamline the
                                           flow of air to the wing prior to adding                 procedures, and one engine inoperative
                                                                                                                                                         process for updating MU–2B flight
                                           power. Otherwise, the pilot risks a                     maneuvering. The FAA understands
                                                                                                                                                         training profiles should any
                                           secondary stall as the nose rises from                  that MU–2B training is currently being
                                                                                                                                                         inaccuracies be discovered or should
                                           addition of power, and/or a torque roll                 conducted consistently with FAA policy
                                                                                                                                                         training requirements or policy need to
                                           occurs opposite the propeller rotational                and considers such training to be                     be revised and updated in the future. As
                                           direction. The new standardized                         critical to the safe operation of the                 a result of this action, operators, training
                                           method of recovery from any level of                    aircraft. For that reason, the FAA does               providers, and safety officials will have
                                           stall condition is to substantially lower               not anticipate any disruptions in                     timely, accurate training material. This
                                           the nose.                                               training or operations of MU–2B aircraft              action is important to minimize future
                                              Recent changes to the FAA’s Practical                as a result of the immediate effective                accidents.
                                           Test Standards direct examiners to                      date for this rule. This rulemaking is                   Pilots in need of MU–2B training can
                                           assess a pilot’s ability to recover                     necessary to align the regulation with                choose from either a training center or
                                           promptly at the ‘‘onset’’ (buffeting) stall             the safest, best means to conduct                     hiring one of the approximately 20 MU–
                                           condition. These revised profiles and                   training in the MU–2B.                                2B qualified instructors. Currently, there
                                           AC 120–109 call out procedures for                      V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses                    are three primary training providers that
                                           accomplishing this stall recognition and                                                                      offer FAA approved MU–2B training.
                                           recovery from an autopilot ‘ON’ flight                  A. Regulatory Evaluation                                 There were a number of conflicts
                                           configuration, thereby simulating a stall                 Changes to Federal regulations must                 between former SFAR No. 108 and best
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           catching the pilot by surprise and                      undergo several economic analyses.                    practices and FAA guidance, which
                                           creating more realistic surprise and                    First, Executive Order 12866 and                      demonstrate a better safety record. The
                                           startle in training. The revised                        Executive Order 13563 direct that each                FAA’s Kansas City Aircraft Evaluation
                                           maneuver profiles for stall recognition                 Federal agency shall propose or adopt a               Group (AEG) and Mitsubishi Heavy
                                           and recovery have been relocated to the                 regulation only upon a reasoned                       Industries (MHI) have documented that
                                           AC.                                                     determination that the benefits of the                the SFAR conflicted with new and


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00006   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          61589

                                           revised FAA training requirements,                      for other aircraft. This rule relocates and           significant economic impact on a
                                           policy, guidance and safe operating                     updates the content of SFAR No. 108 to                substantial number of small entities. If
                                           practices. These practices are set forth                this subpart in order to eliminate safety             the agency determines that it will, the
                                           in the Airline Transport Pilot Practical                concerns resulting from mandating                     agency must prepare a regulatory
                                           Test Standards (PTS); Commercial Pilot                  incorrect and out-of-date best practices              flexibility analysis as described in the
                                           PTS; FAA Notice N8900.205, Enhanced                     for training in and operating the MU–                 RFA.
                                           Stall and Stick Pusher Training;                        2B.                                                      However, if an agency determines that
                                           Advisory Circular (AC) 120–109; Stall                      With this action, all MU–2B training
                                                                                                                                                         a rule is not expected to have a
                                           and Stick Pusher Training; and AC 120–                  must take place under an FAA approved
                                                                                                                                                         significant economic impact on a
                                           108, Continuous Descent Final                           MU–2B training program. FAA approval
                                                                                                                                                         substantial number of small entities,
                                           Approach (CDFA).                                        of all MU–2B training programs will be
                                                                                                                                                         section 605(b) of the RFA provides that
                                              SFAR No. 108 mandates training,                      based on whether that program meets
                                                                                                                                                         the head of the agency may so certify
                                           experience, and operating requirements                  the performance standards of
                                                                                                                                                         and a regulatory flexibility analysis is
                                           to improve the level of operational                     § 91.1705(h). The FAA is also
                                                                                                                                                         not required. The certification must
                                           safety for the MHI MU–2B series                         publishing an AC for the Mitsubishi
                                                                                                                                                         include a statement providing the
                                           airplane. SFAR No. 108 contained                        MU–2B Training Program. This AC
                                                                                                                                                         factual basis for this determination, and
                                           inaccurate training profiles and was                    Appendix contains a recommended
                                           misaligned with current FAA flight                      MU–2B training program which may be                   the reasoning should be clear.
                                           training policy. Since the enactment of                 used by training providers to meet the                   MU–2 aircraft are owned by a
                                           SFAR No. 108, there have been two                       requirements this subpart, or as a                    substantial number of small entities.
                                           accidents with five fatalities. The SFAR                reference for the training providers to               However, the FAA believes that this
                                           required training in accordance with                    develop their own MU–2B training                      rule does not have a significant
                                           inaccurate MU–2B flight training                        programs.                                             economic impact on a substantial
                                           profiles. The National Transportation                      By following the AC training                       number of small entities for the
                                           Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that                    guidance, there will be no new training               following reasons. With this rule, the
                                           the FAA correct these inaccuracies as                   costs associated with this revised                    updated procedures and new profiles
                                           soon as is practical. New stall profiles                training guidance. The requalification                that are already in place for other FAA
                                           have been created for instructing the                   and recurrent training hours for ground               approved training programs will become
                                           pilot to perform a stall recovery using a               instruction and flight instruction remain             mandatory for MU–2B pilots. By
                                           positive reduction of angle of attack                   the same. All MU–2B pilots will have to               following the AC training guidance, the
                                           method. This procedure change is                        take training compliant with this                     change in existing training, results in no
                                           important to ensure that pilots safely                  subpart when their 12-month recurrent                 new costs. Nothing in this rule
                                           recover from a stall and do not cause a                 training requirement comes due, but not               mandates new training outside the
                                           secondary stall of the aircraft.                        before. Nothing in this subpart                       existing cycle.
                                              Besides the inaccurate training                      mandates new training outside the                        Therefore, as provided in section
                                           profiles, SFAR 108 was not aligned with                 existing currency cycle.                              605(b), the head of the FAA certifies
                                           current FAA Continuous Descent Final                       By following the AC training                       that this rulemaking will not result in a
                                           Approach (CDFA) procedures flight                       guidance, the change in existing                      significant economic impact on a
                                           training policy published in AC 120–                    training, results in no new costs. Thus,              substantial number of small entities.
                                           108 and published in the MU–2 FSB                       the cost of the rule will be minimal.
                                           Report, Revision 4. FAA CDFA                               The FAA has, therefore, determined                 C. International Trade Impact
                                           procedures were not contained in the                    that this rule is not a ‘‘significant                 Assessment
                                           SFAR No. 108 MU–2B flight training                      regulatory action’’ as defined in section
                                           profiles. Including these procedures in                 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, and is not                The Trade Agreements Act of 1979
                                           subpart N of part 91 will allow operators               ‘‘significant’’ as defined in DOT’s                   (Pub. L. 96–39), as amended by the
                                           of the MHI MU–2B series airplane to                     Regulatory Policies and Procedures.                   Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub.
                                           follow the most current procedures                                                                            L. 103–465), prohibits Federal agencies
                                           when operating an appropriately                         B. Regulatory Flexibility Determination               from establishing standards or engaging
                                           equipped MHI MU–2B series airplane.                        The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980             in related activities that create
                                           The new CDFA flight training                            (Public Law 96–354) (RFA) establishes                 unnecessary obstacles to the foreign
                                           supplements training already contained                  ‘‘as a principle of regulatory issuance               commerce of the United States.
                                           in the SFAR and provides an alternate                   that agencies shall endeavor, consistent              Pursuant to these Acts, the
                                           procedure that may be used at the                       with the objectives of the rule and of                establishment of standards is not
                                           discretion of the pilot.                                applicable statutes, to fit regulatory and            considered an unnecessary obstacle to
                                              The flight training maneuver profiles                informational requirements to the scale               the foreign commerce of the United
                                           A–7, B–7, C–7 in former Appendix D of                   of the businesses, organizations, and                 States, so long as the standard has a
                                           the SFAR No. 108 were incorrect                         governmental jurisdictions subject to                 legitimate domestic objective, such as
                                           regarding the procedures for setting                    regulation.’’ To achieve this principle,              the protection of safety, and does not
                                           power and trim for the demonstration of                 agencies are required to solicit and                  operate in a manner that excludes
                                           the one-engine-inoperative maneuver                     consider flexible regulatory proposals                imports that meet this objective. The
                                           with a loss of directional control.                     and to explain the rationale for their                statute also requires consideration of
                                           Furthermore, the maneuver profiles in                   actions to assure that such proposals are             international standards and, where
                                           the SFAR No. 108 (profiles A–8 through                  given serious consideration.’’ The RFA                appropriate, that they be the basis for
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           A–11, B–8 through B–11, and C–8                         covers a wide-range of small entities,                U.S. standards. The FAA has assessed
                                           through C–11) required operators to                     including small businesses, not-for-                  the potential effect of this final rule and
                                           perform all stall recoveries with a                     profit organizations, and small                       determined that the rule would protect
                                           ‘‘minimal loss of altitude’’. This                      governmental jurisdictions.                           safety and is not considered an
                                           requirement has been removed from all                      Agencies must perform a review to                  unnecessary obstacle to foreign
                                           FAA and industry training documents                     determine whether a rule will have a                  commerce.


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                           61590        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment                           Use: It will enable the FAA to identify             B. Executive Order 13211, Regulations
                                              Title II of the Unfunded Mandates                    MU–2B qualified instructors currently                 that Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
                                           Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4)                      providing training under SFAR No. 108                 Distribution, or Use
                                           requires each Federal agency to prepare                 and oversee compliance with subpart N                   The FAA analyzed this immediately
                                           a written statement assessing the effects               of part 91.                                           adopted final rule under Executive
                                           of any Federal mandate in a proposed or                   Frequency: Part 91 training providers               Order 13211, Actions Concerning
                                           final agency rule that may result in an                 will have to submit their training                    Regulations that Significantly Affect
                                           expenditure of $100 million or more (in                 programs to the FAA every two years.                  Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
                                           1995 dollars) in any one year by State,                                                                       (May 18, 2001). The agency has
                                           local, and tribal governments, in the                   F. International Compatibility and                    determined that it is not a ‘‘significant
                                           aggregate, or by the private sector; such               Cooperation                                           energy action’’ under the executive
                                           a mandate is deemed to be a ‘‘significant                                                                     order and it is not likely to have a
                                                                                                     In keeping with U.S. obligations
                                           regulatory action.’’ The FAA currently                                                                        significant adverse effect on the supply,
                                                                                                   under the Convention on International
                                           uses an inflation-adjusted value of $155                                                                      distribution, or use of energy.
                                                                                                   Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to
                                           million in lieu of $100 million. This                                                                         VII. How To Obtain Additional
                                                                                                   conform to International Civil Aviation
                                           final rule does not contain such a                                                                            Information
                                                                                                   Organization (ICAO) Standards and
                                           mandate; therefore, the requirements of
                                                                                                   Recommended Practices to the                          A. Rulemaking Documents
                                           Title II of the Act do not apply.
                                                                                                   maximum extent practicable. The FAA
                                           E. Paperwork Reduction Act                              has determined that there are no ICAO                   An electronic copy of a rulemaking
                                                                                                   Standards and Recommended Practices                   document may be obtained by using the
                                              The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                                                                        Internet—
                                           (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires that the                   that correspond to these proposed
                                                                                                   regulations.                                            1. Search the Federal eRulemaking
                                           FAA consider the impact of paperwork                                                                          Portal (http://www.regulations.gov);
                                           and other information collection                          Executive Order 13609, Promoting                      2. Visit the FAA’s Regulations and
                                           burdens imposed on the public.                          International Regulatory Cooperation,                 Policies Web page at http://
                                           According to the 1995 amendments to                     promotes international regulatory                     www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ or
                                           the Paperwork Reduction Act (5 CFR                      cooperation to meet shared challenges                   3. Access the Government Publishing
                                           1320.8(b)(2)(vi)), an agency may not                    involving health, safety, labor, security,            Office’s Web page at: http://
                                           collect or sponsor the collection of                    environmental, and other issues and to                www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.
                                           information, nor may it impose an                       reduce, eliminate, or prevent                           Copies may also be obtained by
                                           information collection requirement                      unnecessary differences in regulatory                 sending a request (identified by
                                           unless it displays a currently valid                    requirements. The FAA has analyzed                    amendment or docket number of this
                                           Office of Management and Budget                         this action under the policies and                    rulemaking) to the Federal Aviation
                                           (OMB) control number. The FAA has                       agency responsibilities of Executive                  Administration, Office of Rulemaking,
                                           determined that there is a new                          Order 13609, and has determined that                  ARM–1, 800 Independence Avenue
                                           requirement for information collection                  this action would have no effect on                   SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by
                                           associated with this immediately                        international regulatory cooperation.                 calling (202) 267–9677.
                                           adopted final rule and is requesting the
                                           Office of Management and Budget to                      G. Environmental Analysis                             B. Comments Submitted to the Docket
                                           grant an immediate emergency                                                                                    Comments received may be viewed by
                                           clearance on the paperwork package                        FAA Order 1050.1F identifies FAA
                                                                                                                                                         going to http://www.regulations.gov and
                                           that it is submitting. Therefore,                       actions that are categorically excluded               following the online instructions to
                                           notification will be made to the public                 from preparation of an environmental                  search the docket number for this
                                           when a clearance is received. Following                 assessment or environmental impact                    action. Anyone is able to search the
                                           is a summary of the information                         statement under the National                          electronic form of all comments
                                           collection activity.                                    Environmental Policy Act in the                       received into any of the FAA’s dockets
                                              Title: MU–2B Series Airplane                         absence of extraordinary circumstances.               by the name of the individual
                                           Training Requirements Update                            The FAA has determined this                           submitting the comment (or signing the
                                              Summary/Need: This subpart requires                  rulemaking action qualifies for the                   comment, if submitted on behalf of an
                                           qualified instructors providing MU–2B                   categorical exclusion identified in                   association, business, labor union, etc.).
                                           training in part 91 operations to submit                paragraph 5–6.6 and involves no
                                           a proposed MU–2B training program to                    extraordinary circumstances.                          C. Small Business Regulatory
                                           the FAA for approval. This information                                                                        Enforcement Fairness Act
                                                                                                   VI. Executive Order Determinations
                                           collection is necessary to the FAA’s                                                                            The Small Business Regulatory
                                           mission to ensure aviation safety                       A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism                  Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of
                                           because it will enable the FAA to                                                                             1996 requires FAA to comply with
                                           identify MU–2B qualified instructors                      The FAA has analyzed this                           small entity requests for information or
                                           providing training under this subpart                   immediately adopted final rule under                  advice about compliance with statutes
                                           and to oversee compliance.                              the principles and criteria of Executive              and regulations within its jurisdiction.
                                              Respondents: The respondents are an                  Order 13132, Federalism. The agency                   A small entity with questions regarding
                                           estimated 20-training providers                         determined that this action will not                  this document, may contact its local
                                           operating under part 91 that are                        have a substantial direct effect on the               FAA official, or the person listed under
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           qualified to provide training for the                   States, or the relationship between the               the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
                                           MU–2B aircraft in accordance with                       Federal Government and the States, or                 heading at the beginning of the
                                           subpart N of part 91.                                   on the distribution of power and                      preamble. To find out more about
                                              Burden: The burden associated with                   responsibilities among the various                    SBREFA on the Internet, visit http://
                                           this subpart is minimal to the part 91                  levels of government, and, therefore,                 www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/
                                           training providers.                                     does not have Federalism implications.                rulemaking/sbre_act/.


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00008   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                              61591

                                           List of Subjects                                        91.1717     Operating requirements.                      (1) 50 hours of documented flight
                                                                                                   91.1719     Credit for prior training.                time manipulating the controls while
                                           14 CFR Part 35                                          91.1721     Incorporation by reference.               serving as pilot in command of a
                                               Aircraft, Aviation safety.                          § 91.1701    Applicability.                           Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane in the
                                           14 CFR Part 91                                             (a) On and after November 7, 2016, all             preceding 24 months; or
                                                                                                   training conducted in an MU–2B must                      (2) 500 hours of documented flight
                                             Aircraft, Airmen, Airports, Aviation                                                                        time manipulating the controls while
                                           safety, Freight, Incorporation by                       follow an approved MU–2B training
                                                                                                   program that meets the standards of this              serving as pilot in command of a
                                           reference, Reporting and recordkeeping                                                                        Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane.
                                           requirements.                                           subpart.
                                                                                                      (b) This subpart applies to all persons               (e) A person is required to complete
                                           14 CFR Part 135                                         who operate a Mitsubishi MU–2B series                 Recurrent training within the preceding
                                                                                                   airplane, including those who act as                  12 months. Successful completion of
                                             Air taxis, Aircraft, Airmen, Alcohol                                                                        Initial/transition or Requalification
                                           abuse, Aviation safety, Drug abuse, Drug                pilot in command, act as second-in-
                                                                                                   command, or other persons who                         training within the preceding 12 months
                                           testing, Reporting and recordkeeping                                                                          satisfies the requirement of Recurrent
                                           requirements.                                           manipulate the controls while under the
                                                                                                   supervision of a pilot in command.                    training. A person must successfully
                                           The Amendment                                              (c) This subpart also applies to those             complete Initial/transition training or
                                                                                                   persons who provide pilot training for a              Requalification training before being
                                             In consideration of the foregoing, the                                                                      eligible to receive Recurrent training.
                                           Federal Aviation Administration                         Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane. The
                                                                                                   requirements in this subpart are in                      (f) Successful completion of Initial/
                                           amends chapter I of title 14, Code of                                                                         transition training or Requalification
                                           Federal Regulations as follows:                         addition to the requirements of parts 61,
                                                                                                   91, and 135 of this chapter.                          training is a one-time requirement. A
                                           PART 61—CERTIFICATION: PILOTS,                                                                                person may elect to retake Initial/
                                           FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND
                                                                                                   § 91.1703    Compliance and eligibility.              transition training or Requalification
                                           INSTRUCTORS                                                (a) Except as provided in paragraph                training in lieu of Recurrent training.
                                                                                                   (b) of this section, no person may                       (g) A person is required to complete
                                           ■ 1. The authority citation for part 61                 manipulate the controls, act as PIC, act              Differences training in accordance with
                                           continues to read as follows:                           as second-in-command, or provide pilot                an FAA approved MU–2B training
                                                                                                   training for a Mitsubishi MU–2B series                program if that person operates more
                                             Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113,
                                                                                                   airplane unless that person meets the                 than one MU–2B model as specified in
                                           44701–44703, 44707, 44709–44711, 44729,
                                           44903, 45102–45103, 45301–45302.                        requirements of this subpart.                         § 91.1707(c).
                                                                                                      (b) A person who does not meet the
                                           ■ 2. Remove Special Federal Aviation                                                                          § 91.1705   Required pilot training.
                                                                                                   requirements of this subpart may
                                           Regulation No. 108.                                                                                              (a) Except as provided in § 91.1703(b),
                                                                                                   manipulate the controls of a Mitsubishi
                                                                                                   MU–2B series airplane if a pilot in                   no person may manipulate the controls,
                                           PART 91—GENERAL OPERATING AND                                                                                 act as pilot in command, or act as
                                           FLIGHT RULES                                            command who meets the requirements
                                                                                                   of this subpart is occupying a pilot                  second-in-command of a Mitsubishi
                                           ■ 3. The authority citation for part 91                 station, no passengers or cargo are                   MU–2B series airplane for the purpose
                                           continues to read as follows:                           carried on board the airplane, and the                of flight unless—
                                                                                                   flight is being conducted for one of the                 (1) The requirements for ground and
                                             Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 1155,                                                                  flight training on Initial/transition,
                                           40101, 40103, 40105, 40113, 40120, 44101,               following reasons—
                                                                                                      (1) The pilot in command is providing              Requalification, Recurrent, and
                                           44111, 44701, 44704, 44709, 44711, 44712,
                                           44715, 44716, 44717, 44722, 46306, 46315,               pilot training to the manipulator of the              Differences training have been
                                           46316, 46504, 46506–46507, 47122, 47508,                controls;                                             completed in accordance with an FAA
                                           47528–47531, 47534, articles 12 and 29 of the              (2) The pilot in command is                        approved MU–2B training program that
                                           Convention on International Civil Aviation              conducting a maintenance test flight                  meets the standards of this subpart; and
                                           (61 stat. 1180), (126 Stat. 11).                        with a second pilot or certificated                      (2) That person’s logbook has been
                                           ■ 4. Effective November 7, 2017, remove                 mechanic; or                                          endorsed in accordance with paragraph
                                           Special Federal Aviation Regulation No.                    (3) The pilot in command is                        (f) of this section.
                                           108—Mitsubishi MU–2B Series Special                     conducting simulated instrument flight                   (b) Except as provided in § 91.1703(b),
                                           Training, Experience, and Operating                     and is using a safety pilot other than the            no person may manipulate the controls,
                                           Requirements.                                           pilot in command who manipulates the                  act as pilot in command, or act as
                                                                                                   controls for the purposes of § 91.109(b).             second-in-command, of a Mitsubishi
                                           ■ 5. Amend part 91 by adding subpart
                                                                                                      (c) A person is required to complete               MU–2B series airplane for the purpose
                                           N to read as follows:
                                                                                                   Initial/transition training if that person            of flight unless—
                                           Subpart N—Mitsubishi MU–2B Series                       has fewer than—                                          (1) That person satisfactorily
                                           Special Training, Experience, and                          (1) 50 hours of documented flight                  completes, if applicable, annual
                                           Operating Requirements                                  time manipulating the controls while                  Recurrent pilot training on the Special
                                                                                                   serving as pilot in command of a                      Emphasis Items, and all items listed in
                                           Sec.                                                    Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane in the               the Training Course Final Phase Check
                                           91.1701 Applicability                                   preceding 24 months; or                               in accordance with an FAA approved
                                           91.1703 Compliance and eligibility.                        (2) 500 hours of documented flight                 MU–2B training program that meets the
                                           91.1705 Required pilot training.                        time manipulating the controls while                  standards of this subpart; and
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           91.1707 Training program hours.
                                                                                                   serving as pilot in command of a                         (2) That person’s logbook has been
                                           91.1709 Training program approval.
                                           91.1711 Aeronautical experience.                        Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane.                     endorsed in accordance with paragraph
                                           91.1713 Instruction, checking, and                         (d) A person is eligible to receive                (f) of this section.
                                                evaluation.                                        Requalification training in lieu of                      (c) Satisfactory completion of the
                                           91.1715 Currency requirements and flight                Initial/transition training if that person            competency check required by § 135.293
                                                review.                                            has at least—                                         of this chapter within the preceding 12


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00009   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                           61592        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           calendar months may not be substituted                  applicable to the MU–2B model being                      (3) Flight training must include a final
                                           for the Mitsubishi MU–2B series                         trained. A MU–2B training program                     phase check sufficient to document
                                           airplane annual recurrent flight training               must contain, at a minimum, the                       pilot proficiency in the flight training
                                           of this section.                                        following flight training maneuver                    maneuver profiles at the completion of
                                              (d) Satisfactory completion of a                     profiles applicable to the MU–2B model                training; and
                                           Federal Aviation Administration                         being trained:                                           (4) Differences training for applicable
                                           sponsored pilot proficiency program, as                    (i) Normal takeoff with 5- and 20-                 MU–2B model variants sufficient to
                                           described in § 61.56(e) of this chapter                 degrees flaps;                                        ensure pilot proficiency in each model
                                           may not be substituted for the                             (ii) Takeoff engine failure with 5- and            operated. Current MU–2B differences
                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane                        20- degrees flaps;                                    requirements are specified in
                                           annual recurrent flight training of this                   (iii) Takeoff engine failure on runway             § 91.1707(c). A person must complete
                                           section.                                                or rejected takeoff;                                  Differences training if a person operates
                                              (e) If a person complies with the                       (iv) Takeoff engine failure after                  more than one MU–2B model as
                                           requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of                 liftoff—unable to climb (may be                       specified in § 91.1707(c). Differences
                                           this section in the calendar month                      completed in classroom or flight                      training between the factory type design
                                           before or the calendar month after the                  training device only);                                K and M models of the MU–2B airplane,
                                           month in which compliance with these                       (v) Steep turns;                                   and the factory type design J and L
                                           paragraphs are required, that person is                    (vi) Slow flight maneuvers;                        models of the MU–2B airplane, may be
                                           considered to have accomplished the                        (vii) One engine inoperative                       accomplished with Level A training. All
                                           training requirement in the month the                   maneuvering with loss of directional                  other factory type design differences
                                           training is due.                                        control;                                              training must be accomplished with
                                              (f) The endorsement required under                      (viii) Approach to stall in clean                  Level B training unless otherwise
                                           paragraph (a) and (b) of this section                   configuration and with wings level;                   specified in § 91.1707(c) . A Level A or
                                           must be made by—                                           (ix) Approach to stall in takeoff
                                                                                                                                                         B differences training is not a recurring
                                              (1) A certificated flight instructor or a            configuration with 15- to 30- degrees
                                                                                                                                                         annual requirement. Once a person has
                                           simulator instructor authorized by a                    bank;
                                                                                                                                                         completed Initial Level A or B
                                           Training Center certificated under part                    (x) Approach to stall in landing
                                                                                                                                                         Differences training between the
                                           142 of this chapter and meeting the                     configuration with gear down and 40-
                                                                                                                                                         applicable different models, no
                                           qualifications of § 91.1713; or                         degrees of flaps;
                                              (2) For persons operating the                                                                              additional differences training between
                                                                                                      (xi) Accelerated stall with no flaps;
                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane for a                     (xii) Emergency descent at low speed;              those models is required.
                                           14 CFR part 119 certificate holder                         (xiii) Emergency descent at high                      (5) Icing training sufficient to ensure
                                           within the last 12 calendar months, the                 speed;                                                pilot knowledge and safe operation of
                                           part 119 certificate holder’s flight                       (xiv) Unusual attitude recovery with               the MU–2B aircraft in icing conditions
                                           instructor if authorized by the FAA and                 the nose high;                                        as established by the FAA;
                                           if that flight instructor meets the                        (xv) Unusual attitude recovery with                   (6) Ground and flight training
                                           requirements of § 91.1713.                              the nose low;                                         programs must include training hours
                                              (g) All training conducted for a                        (xvi) Normal landing with 20- and 40-              identified by § 91.1707(a) for ground
                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane must                   degrees flaps;                                        instruction, § 91.1707(b) for flight
                                           be completed in accordance with an                         (xvii) Go around and rejected landing;             instruction, and § 91.1707(c) for
                                           MU–2B series airplane checklist that                       (xviii) No flap or 5- degrees flaps                differences training.
                                           has been accepted by the Federal                        landing;                                                 (i) No training credit is given for
                                           Aviation Administration’s MU–2B                            (xix) One engine inoperative landing               second-in-command training and no
                                           Flight Standardization Board or the                     with 5- and 20- degrees flaps;                        credit is given for right seat time under
                                           applicable MU–2B series checklist                          (xx) Crosswind landing;                            this program. Only the sole manipulator
                                           (incorporated by reference, see                            (xxi) Instrument landing system (ILS)              of the controls of the MU–2B airplane,
                                           § 91.1721).                                             and missed approach ;                                 flight training device, or Level C or D
                                              (h) MU–2B training programs must                        (xxii) Two engine missed approach;                 simulator can receive training credit
                                           contain ground training and flight                         (xxiii) One engine inoperative ILS and             under this program;
                                           training sufficient to ensure pilot                     missed approach;
                                           proficiency for the safe operation of                      (xxiv) One engine inoperative missed                  (ii) An MU–2B airplane must be
                                           MU–2B aircraft, including:                              approach;                                             operated in accordance with an FAA
                                              (1) A ground training curriculum                        (xxv) Non-precision and missed                     approved MU–2B training program that
                                           sufficient to ensure pilot knowledge of                 approach;                                             meets the standards of this subpart and
                                           MU–2B aircraft, aircraft systems, and                      (xxvi) Non-precision continuous                    the training hours in § 91.1707.
                                           procedures, necessary for safe operation;               descent final approach and missed                        (7) Endorsements given for
                                           and                                                     approach;                                             compliance with paragraph (f) of this
                                              (2) Flight training curriculum                          (xxvii) One engine inoperative non-                section must be appropriate to the
                                           including flight training maneuver                      precision and missed approach;                        content of that specific MU–2B training
                                           profiles sufficient in number and detail                   (xxviii) One engine inoperative non-               program’s compliance with standards of
                                           to ensure pilot proficiency in all MU–                  precision CDFA and missed approach;                   this subpart.
                                           2B operations for each MU–2B model in                      (xxix) Circling approach at weather
                                           correlation with MU–2B limitations,                                                                           § 91.1707   Training program hours.
                                                                                                   minimums;
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           procedures, aircraft performance, and                      (xxx) One engine inoperative circling                (a) Ground instruction hours are listed
                                           MU–2B Cockpit Checklist procedures                      approach at weather minimums.                         in the following table:




                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00010   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                                           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 hours at level E                           8 hours level C or level E ................................             4 hours at level 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 concurrently ..................................................................................                     3 hours at level B.
                                           Each additional factory type design model added separately ......................................................................                          1.5 hours at level B.



                                              (d) Definitions of levels of training as                             that person holds an airplane category                                  meet the pilot training and
                                           used in this subpart:                                                   and multi-engine land class rating, and                                 documentation requirements of
                                              (1) LEVEL A Training—Training that                                   has logged a minimum of 100 flight                                      § 91.1705 before giving flight instruction
                                           is conducted through self-instruction by                                hours of PIC time in multi-engine                                       for the Mitsubishi MU–2B series
                                           the pilot.                                                              airplanes.                                                              airplane;
                                              (2) LEVEL B Training—Training that
                                           is conducted in the classroom                                           § 91.1713 Instruction, checking, and                                       (2) Each flight instructor who
                                           environment with the aid of a qualified                                 evaluation.                                                             provides flight training for the
                                           instructor who meets the requirements                                      (a) Flight Instructor (Airplane). No                                 Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane must
                                           of this subpart.                                                        flight instructor may provide instruction                               meet the currency requirements of
                                              (3) LEVEL C Training—Training that                                   or conduct a flight review in a                                         § 91.1715(c) before giving flight
                                           is accomplished in an FAA-approved                                      Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane                                        instruction for the Mitsubishi MU–2B
                                           Level 5 or 6 flight training device. In                                 unless that flight instructor                                           series airplane;
                                           addition to the basic FTD requirements,                                    (1) Meets the pilot training and                                        (3) Each flight instructor who
                                           the FTD must be representative of the                                   documentation requirements of                                           provides flight training for the
                                           MU–2B cockpit controls and be                                           § 91.1705 before giving flight instruction                              Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane must
                                           specifically approved by the FAA for                                    in the Mitsubishi MU–2B series                                          have:
                                           the MU–2B airplane.                                                     airplane;
                                                                                                                      (2) Meets the currency requirements                                     (i) A minimum total pilot time of 2000
                                              (4) Level E Training—Training that
                                                                                                                   of §§ 91.1715(a) and 91.1715(c)                                         pilot–in-command hours and 800 pilot-
                                           must be accomplished in the MU–2B
                                                                                                                      (3) Has a minimum total pilot time of                                in-command hours in multiengine
                                           airplane, Level C simulator, or Level D
                                           simulator.                                                              2,000 pilot-in-command hours and 800                                    airplanes; and
                                                                                                                   pilot-in-command hours in multiengine                                      (ii) Within the preceding 12 months,
                                           § 91.1709        Training program approval.                             airplanes; and                                                          either 50 hours of Mitsubishi MU–2B
                                              To obtain approval for an MU–2B                                         (4) Has:                                                             series airplane pilot-in-command
                                           training program, training providers                                       (i) 300 pilot-in-command hours in the
                                                                                                                                                                                           experience or 50 hours providing
                                           must submit a proposed training                                         Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane, 50
                                                                                                                                                                                           simulator or flight training device
                                           program to the Administrator.                                           hours of which must have been within
                                                                                                                                                                                           instruction for the Mitsubishi MU–2B.
                                              (a) Only training programs approved                                  the preceding 12 months; or
                                           by the Administrator may be used to                                        (ii) 100 pilot-in-command hours in                                      (c) Checking and evaluation. No
                                           satisfy the standards of this subpart.                                  the Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane,                                   person may provide checking or
                                              (b) For part 91 training providers,                                  25 hours of which must have been                                        evaluation for the Mitsubishi MU–2B
                                           training programs will be approved for                                  within the preceding 12 months, and                                     series airplane unless that person meets
                                           24 months, unless sooner superseded or                                  300 hours providing instruction in a                                    the requirements of this paragraph—
                                           rescinded.                                                              FAA-approved Mitsubishi MU–2B                                              (1) For the purpose of checking,
                                              (c) The Administrator may require                                    simulator or FAA-approved Mitsubishi                                    designated pilot examiners, training
                                           revision of an approved MU–2B training                                  MU–2B flight training device, 25 hours                                  center evaluators, and check airmen
                                           program at any time.                                                    of which must have been within the                                      must have completed the appropriate
                                              (d) A training provider must present                                 preceding 12 months.                                                    training in the Mitsubishi MU–2B series
                                           its approved training program and FAA                                      (b) Flight Instructor (Simulator/Flight
                                                                                                                                                                                           airplane in accordance with § 91.1705;
                                           approval documentation to any                                           Training Device). No flight instructor
                                           representative of the Administrator,                                    may provide instruction for the                                            (2) For checking conducted in the
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           upon request.                                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane                                        Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane, each
                                                                                                                   unless that instructor meets the                                        designated pilot examiner and check
                                           § 91.1711        Aeronautical experience.                               requirements of this paragraph—                                         airman must have 100 hours pilot-in-
                                             No person may act as a pilot in                                          (1) Each flight instructor who                                       command flight time in the Mitsubishi
                                           command of a Mitsubishi MU–2B series                                    provides flight training for the                                        MU–2B series airplane and maintain
                                           airplane for the purpose of flight unless                               Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane must                                   currency in accordance with § 91.1715.


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014        17:40 Sep 06, 2016        Jkt 238001      PO 00000      Frm 00011       Fmt 4700      Sfmt 4700      E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM         07SER1


                                           61594        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           § 91.1715 Currency requirements and                       (c) No person may operate a                           (i) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–2B–
                                           flight review.                                          Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane                      60, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
                                              (a) The takeoff and landing currency                 unless a copy of the appropriate                      Document No. YET06220C, accepted by
                                           requirements of § 61.57 of this chapter                 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU–2B                     FSB on February 12, 2007.
                                           must be maintained in the Mitsubishi                    Airplane Flight Manual is carried on                    (ii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–2B–
                                           MU–2B series airplane. Takeoff and                      board the airplane and is accessible                  40, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
                                           landings in other multiengine airplanes                 during each flight at the pilot station.              Document No. YET06256A, accepted by
                                           do not meet the takeoff landing currency                  (d) No person may operate a                         FSB on February 12, 2007.
                                           requirements for the Mitsubishi MU–2B                   Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane                        (iii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           series airplane. Takeoff and landings in                unless an MU–2B series airplane                       2B–36A, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
                                           either the short-body or long-body                      checklist, appropriate for the model                  Document No. YET06257B, accepted by
                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B model airplane may                     being operated and accepted by the                    FSB on February 12, 2007.
                                           be credited toward takeoff and landing                  Federal Aviation Administration MU–                     (iv) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           currency for both Mitsubishi MU–2B                      2B Flight Standardization Board, is                   2B–36, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                           model groups.                                           accessible for each flight at the pilot               Document No. YET06252B, accepted by
                                              (b) Instrument experience obtained in                station and is used by the flight                     FSB on February 12, 2007.
                                                                                                                                                           (v) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–2B–
                                           other category and class of aircraft may                crewmembers when operating the
                                                                                                                                                         35, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                           be used to satisfy the instrument                       airplane.
                                                                                                                                                         Document No. YET06251B, accepted by
                                           currency requirements of § 61.57 of this                  (e) No person may operate a                         FSB on February 12, 2007.
                                           chapter for the Mitsubishi MU–2B series                 Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane                        (vi) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           airplane.                                               contrary to the standards of this subpart.            2B–30, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                              (c) Satisfactory completion of a flight                (f) If there are any differences between            Document No. YET06250A, accepted by
                                           review to satisfy the requirements of                   the training and operating requirements               FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           § 61.56 of this chapter is valid for                    of this subpart and the MU–2B Airplane                  (vii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           operation of a Mitsubishi MU–2B series                  Flight Manual’s procedures sections                   2B–26A, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
                                           airplane only if that flight review is                  (Normal, Abnormal, and Emergency)                     Document No. YET06255A, accepted by
                                           conducted in a Mitsubishi MU–2B                         and the MU–2B airplane series checklist               FSB on February 12, 2007.
                                           series airplane or an MU–2B Simulator                   incorporated by reference in § 91.1721,                 (viii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           approved for landings with an approved                  the person operating the airplane must                2B–26, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                           course conducted under part 142 of this                 operate the airplane in accordance with               Document No. YET06249A, accepted by
                                           chapter. The flight review for Mitsubishi               the training specified in this subpart.               FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           MU–2B series airplanes must include                                                                             (ix) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           the Special Emphasis Items, and all                     § 91.1719    Credit for prior training.               2B–26, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
                                           items listed in the Training Course Final                 Initial/transition, requalification,                Document No. YET06254A, accepted by
                                           Phase Check in accordance with an                       recurrent or Level B differences training             FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           approved MU–2B Training Program.                        conducted prior to November 7, 2016,                    (x) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–2B–
                                              (d) A person who successfully                        compliant with SFAR No. 108, Section                  25, Type Certificate A10SW, MHI
                                           completes the Initial/transition,                       3 of this part, is considered to be                   Document No. YET06253A, accepted by
                                           Requalification, or Recurrent training                  compliant with this subpart, if the                   FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           requirements under § 91.1705 of this                    student met the eligibility requirements                (xi) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           chapter also meet the requirements of                   for the applicable category of training               2B–25, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                           § 61.56 of this chapter and need not                    and the student’s instructor met the                  Document No. YET06248A, accepted by
                                           accomplish a separate flight review                     experience requirements of this subpart.              FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           provided that at least 1 hour of the flight                                                                     (xii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                                                                                   § 91.1721    Incorporation by reference.              2B–20, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                           training was conducted in the
                                           Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane or an                    (a) The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries                 Document No. YET06247A, accepted by
                                           MU–2B Simulator approved for                            MU–2B Cockpit Checklists are                          FSB on February 12, 2007.
                                           landings with an approved course                        incorporated by reference into this part.               (xv) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           conducted under part 142 of this                        The Director of the Federal Register                  2B–15, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                           chapter.                                                approved this incorporation by                        Document No. YET06246A, accepted by
                                                                                                   reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C.                 FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           § 91.1717   Operating requirements.                     552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved                  (xvi) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                              (a) Except as provided in paragraph                  material is available for inspection at               2B–10, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                           (b) of this section, no person may                      U.S. Department of Transportation,                    Document No. YET06245A, accepted by
                                           operate a Mitsubishi MU–2B airplane in                  Docket Management Facility, Room W                    FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           single pilot operations unless that                     12–140, West Building Ground Floor,                     (xvii) Cockpit Checklist, Model MU–
                                           airplane has a functional autopilot.                    1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington,                 2B, Type Certificate A2PC, MHI
                                              (b) A person may operate a Mitsubishi                DC 20590–0001, or at the National                     Document No. YET06244A, accepted by
                                           MU–2B airplane in single pilot                          Archives and Records Administration,                  FSB on March 2, 2007.
                                           operations without a functional                         call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://                    (2) [Reserved]
                                           autopilot when—                                         www.archives.gov/federal_register/                    PART 135—OPERATING
                                              (1) Operating under day visual flight                code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_                      REQUIREMENTS: COMMUTER AND
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           rule requirements; or                                   locations.html.                                       ON DEMAND OPERATIONS AND
                                              (2) Authorized under a FAA approved                    (b) Turbine Aircraft Services, Inc.,                RULES GOVERNING PERSONS ON
                                           minimum equipment list for that                         4550 Jimmy Doolittle Drive, Addison,                  BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT
                                           airplane, operating under instrument                    Texas 75001, USA.
                                           flight rule requirements in daytime                       (1) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU–                 ■ 6. The authority citation for part 135
                                           visual meteorological conditions.                       2B Checklists:                                        continues to read as follows:


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:40 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00012   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1


                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                         61595

                                             Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 41706,           involved in, activities that are contrary             or foreign policy interests of the United
                                           40113, 44701–44702, 44705, 44709, 44711–                to the national security or foreign policy            States. Specifically, in this rule, BIS
                                           44713, 44715–44717, 44722, 44730, 45101–                of the United States. The EAR imposes                 adds entities to the Entity List for
                                           45105; Pub. L. 112–95, 126 Stat. 58 (49 U.S.C.          additional licensing requirements on,                 violating international law and fueling
                                           44730).
                                                                                                   and limits the availability of most                   the conflict in eastern Ukraine. These
                                           ■ 7. Remove Special Federal Aviation                    license exceptions for, exports,                      additions ensure the efficacy of existing
                                           Regulation No. 108.                                     reexports, and transfers (in-country) to              sanctions on Russia. The particular
                                             Issued under authority provided by 49                 those persons or entities listed on the               additions to the Entity List and related
                                           U.S.C. 106(f), 44701(a), and 44703 in                   Entity List. The license review policy                authorities are as follows.
                                           Washington, DC, on July 11, 2016.                       for each listed entity is identified in the           A. Entity Additions Consistent With
                                           Michael P. Huerta,                                      License Review Policy column on the                   Executive Order 13660
                                           Administrator.                                          Entity List and the impact on the
                                           [FR Doc. 2016–21356 Filed 9–6–16; 8:45 am]              availability of license exceptions is                   One entity is added based on
                                                                                                   described in the Federal Register notice              activities that are described in Executive
                                           BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                   adding entities or other persons to the               Order 13660 (79 FR 13493), Blocking
                                                                                                   Entity List. BIS places entities on the               Property of Certain Persons Contributing
                                                                                                   Entity List based on certain sections of              to the Situation in Ukraine, issued by
                                           DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                                                                        the President on March 6, 2014. As
                                                                                                   part 744 (Control Policy: End-User and
                                                                                                   End-Use Based) and part 746                           described in the Order, the President
                                           Bureau of Industry and Security
                                                                                                   (Embargoes and Other Special Controls)                found that the actions and policies of
                                                                                                   of the EAR.                                           persons who have asserted
                                           15 CFR Part 744
                                                                                                      The End-user Review Committee                      governmental authority in Crimea
                                           [Docket No. 160617543–6543–01]                          (ERC) is composed of representatives of               without the authorization of the
                                                                                                   the Departments of Commerce (Chair),                  Government of Ukraine undermine
                                           RIN 0694–AH02
                                                                                                   State, Defense, Energy, and where                     democratic processes and institutions in
                                           Russian Sanctions: Addition of Certain                  appropriate, the Treasury. The ERC                    Ukraine; threaten its peace, security,
                                           Entities to the Entity List                             makes decisions to add an entry to the                stability, sovereignty, and territorial
                                                                                                   Entity List by majority vote and to                   integrity; and contribute to the
                                           AGENCY:  Bureau of Industry and                         remove or modify an entry by                          misappropriation of its assets; and
                                           Security, Commerce.                                     unanimous vote. The Departments                       thereby constitute an unusual and
                                           ACTION: Final rule.                                     represented on the ERC have approved                  extraordinary threat to the national
                                                                                                   these changes to the Entity List.                     security and foreign policy of the United
                                           SUMMARY:   The Bureau of Industry and                                                                         States. The President also declared a
                                           Security (BIS) amends the Export                        Entity List Additions                                 national emergency to deal with that
                                           Administration Regulations (EAR) by                     Additions to the Entity List                          threat.
                                           adding eighty-one entities under eighty-                                                                        Executive Order 13660 blocks all
                                           six entries to the Entity List. The eighty-                This rule implements the decision of               property and interests in property that
                                           one entities who are added to the Entity                the ERC to add eighty-one entities under              are in the United States, that come
                                           List have been determined by the U.S.                   eighty-six entries to the Entity List.                within the United States, or that are or
                                           Government to be acting contrary to the                 These eighty-one entities are being                   come within the possession or control of
                                           national security or foreign policy                     added on the basis of § 744.11 (License               any United States person (including any
                                           interests of the United States. BIS is                  requirements that apply to entities                   foreign branch) of any person
                                           taking this action to ensure the efficacy               acting contrary to the national security              determined by the Secretary of the
                                           of existing sanctions on the Russian                    or foreign policy interests of the United             Treasury, in consultation with the
                                           Federation (Russia) for violating                       States) of the EAR. The eighty-six                    Secretary of State, to be responsible for
                                           international law and fueling the                       entries being added to the Entity List                or complicit in, or to have engaged in,
                                           conflict in eastern Ukraine. These                      consist of seven entries in the Crimea                directly or indirectly, misappropriation
                                           entities will be listed on the Entity List              region of Ukraine, two entries in Hong                of state assets of Ukraine or of an
                                           under the destinations of the Crimea                    Kong, two entries in India, and seventy-              economically significant entity in
                                           region of Ukraine, Hong Kong, India,                    five entries in Russia. There are eighty-             Ukraine, among other activities. Under
                                           and Russia.                                             six entries for the eighty-one entities               Section 8 of the Order, all agencies of
                                           DATES: This rule is effective September
                                                                                                   because five entities are listed in                   the United States Government are
                                           7, 2016.                                                multiple locations, resulting in five                 directed to take all appropriate
                                                                                                   additional entries.                                   measures within their authority to carry
                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                           Under § 744.11(b) (Criteria for                    out the provisions of the Order.
                                           Chair, End-User Review Committee,                       revising the Entity List) of the EAR,                   The Department of the Treasury’s
                                           Office of the Assistant Secretary, Export               persons for whom there is reasonable                  Office of Foreign Assets Control,
                                           Administration, Bureau of Industry and                  cause to believe, based on specific and               pursuant to Executive Order 13660, has
                                           Security, Department of Commerce,                       articulable facts, have been involved,                designated the following entity:
                                           Phone: (202) 482–5991, Email: ERC@                      are involved, or pose a significant risk              Salvation Committee of Ukraine, as
                                           bis.doc.gov.                                            of being or becoming involved in,                     being within the scope of the Order. In
                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              activities that are contrary to the                   conjunction with that designation, BIS
                                                                                                   national security or foreign policy                   adds Salvation Committee of Ukraine to
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           Background                                              interests of the United States and those              the Entity List under this rule and
                                             The Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to                  acting on behalf of such persons may be               imposes a license requirement for
                                           Part 744 of the EAR) identifies entities                added to the Entity List. The entities                exports, reexports, or transfers (in-
                                           and other persons reasonably believed                   being added to the Entity List have been              country) of all items subject to the EAR
                                           to be involved in, or that pose a                       determined to be involved in activities               to this blocked entity. This license
                                           significant risk of being or becoming                   that are contrary to the national security            requirement implements an appropriate


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:50 Sep 06, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00013   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM   07SER1



Document Created: 2016-09-07 11:51:02
Document Modified: 2016-09-07 11:51:02
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule; request for comments.
DatesThis 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.
ContactFor 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]
FR Citation81 FR 61583 
RIN Number2120-AK63
CFR Citation14 CFR 135
14 CFR 61
14 CFR 91
CFR AssociatedAir Taxis; Alcohol Abuse; Drug Abuse; Drug Testing; Airmen; Airports; Freight; Incorporation by Reference and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR