Regulation Text
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane in single pilot operations unless that airplane has a functional autopilot.
(b) A person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane in single pilot operations without a functional autopilot when—
(1) Operating under day visual flight rule requirements; or
(2) Authorized under a FAA approved minimum equipment list for that airplane, operating under instrument flight rule requirements in daytime visual meteorological conditions.
(c) No person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane unless a copy of the appropriate Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B Airplane Flight Manual is carried on board the airplane and is accessible during each flight at the pilot station.
(d) No person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane unless an MU-2B series airplane checklist, appropriate for the model being operated and accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration MU-2B Flight Standardization Board, is accessible for each flight at the pilot station and is used by the flight crewmembers when operating the airplane.
(e) No person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplane contrary to the standards of this subpart.
(f) If there are any differences between the training and operating requirements of this subpart and the MU-2B Airplane Flight Manual's procedures sections (Normal, Abnormal, and Emergency) and the MU-2B airplane series checklist incorporated by reference in § 91.1721, the person operating the airplane must operate the airplane in accordance with the training specified in this subpart.
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.1717) Single-pilot MU-2B operations require a functional autopilot, except in day VFR or under an FAA-approved MEL during IFR in daytime VMC. The applicable MU-2B Airplane Flight Manual and an accepted MU-2B checklist must be carried and accessible at the pilot station each flight.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Do I need a working autopilot to fly the MU-2B single pilot?
What documents must be on board the MU-2B?
The appropriate Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B Airplane Flight Manual and an accepted MU-2B series checklist, both accessible at the pilot station.
“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.” — 14 CFR § 91.1717(c)
What happens if the AFM and this subpart conflict?
For differences between this subpart's training/operating requirements and the AFM procedures (Normal, Abnormal, Emergency) and checklist incorporated by reference in § 91.1721, the pilot must operate per the training specified in this subpart.
Angle of Attack is an aviation flight-training brand founded by Chris Palmer, a two-time Master Aviation Educator and Gold Seal CFI. We decode the FARs so pilots understand not just the words, but what they mean in the cockpit.
AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.