The Non-Type-Rating-Rating Alternative

Consider what it takes for the FAA to deem one aircraft type so, well, finicky, for lack of a better word, that it warrants its own special federal aviation regulation setting out specific training requirements for its pilots. Part of the answer is reflected in the image above, of an MU-2s upper wing surface. Note the multiple-slotted Fowler flap. One can just make out the spoiler used for roll control.

Key Takeaways:

• The FAA issues Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFARs) for specific aircraft, like the R-22/R-44 helicopters and the MU-2, to address pilot-related incidents despite the aircraft meeting certification standards.
• Aircraft such as the MU-2 gained a reputation for being unforgiving of mistakes, particularly in single-engine and low-speed handling.
• FAA investigations concluded that pilot training deficiencies and inconsistencies, rather than aircraft design flaws, were the primary cause of safety issues with these aircraft.
• SFARs, like the MU-2's SFAR 108, were developed as a compromise in collaboration with the aircraft community to mandate enhanced training when a full type rating was not applicable.

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