The US Federal Aviation Administration has scaled back an icing airworthiness directive (AD) affecting the Mitsubishi Mu-2B twin-turboprop, by removing the requirement to fit an ice-detection system.
The decision dramatically reduces the cost of the AD to operators of Mu-2s, but the FAA says a group studying aircraft in the Mu-2's class may require installation of an ice-protection system.
The revised AD requires installation of systems for de-ice monitoring, automatic autopilot disconnection and trim-in-motion alerting, and auto-ignition engine relighting.
The FAA estimates the cost of compliance with the scaled-back AD at almost $26,000. Addison, Texas-based Turbine Aircraft Services, which supports the Mu-2, says the pricing and availability of an AD compliance kit will be determined by the end of May.
Source: Flight International
