The MU-2 aircraft is viewed by many as unforgiving and a dangerous aircraft to fly. In 2006, the MU-2B came under increased scrutiny as a result of an increase number of MU-2B accidents and incidents in 2004-05 that resulted in over 330 fatalities. As a result, the FAA developed a new MU-2B comprehensive standardized pilot training program under a special federal aviation regulation (SFAR). The SFAR originally proposed in September 2006 became final on February 6, 2008 to improve MU-2 safety. The SFAR also included mandated training for all maintenance personnel performing specific maintenance procedures on the MU-2 airplane.

In 2006 Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) introduced a bill in the House that would have force the FAA to ground the MU-2 until the FAA could certify that the aircraft was safe to fly. Tancredo also proposed pilots flying the MU-2 should have a type-rating requirement. Although the bill did not pass there was wide support from lawmakers. The FAA pointed out that the type rating did not include a requirement for recurrent training but the MU-2 SFAR did. In addition the SFAR calls for specific minimum hours, initial and requalification instead of training to proficiency, which is a type-rating. 

The MU-2B turboprop aircraft is a complex aircraft that has unique flight characteristics for example the MU-2 has spoilers instead of conventional ailerons. Fully understanding the aircraft’s complexity is much more critical during an emergency situation. For example most pilots are taught to reduce flaps following an engine failure on take-off to gain speed and lift however on the MU-2 using this procedure would result in further loss in lift. In the MU-2 the pilot must maintain flap setting and reduce climb rate, hence the need for MU-2 SFAR.