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Upset Prevention and Recovery

C
Written by Callum Watt
Updated over 5 months ago

This training is delivered at an Aeros location of your choice.

The Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) course equips pilots with the essential skills to recognise, prevent, and recover from aircraft upsets. Loss of control in flight (LOC-I) is one of the leading causes of aviation accidents, and UPRT ensures pilots develop the confidence and proficiency to handle unexpected situations safely. This training is a mandatory requirement before commencing multi-crew training (MCC/APS MCC) and is crucial for pilots transitioning to commercial operations.


Objectives

  • Develop proficiency in recognising and recovering from aircraft upsets

  • Improve pilot decision-making under high-pressure conditions

  • Enhance situational awareness and aircraft handling in abnormal attitudes

  • Build confidence in recovery techniques to prevent loss of control in flight


Entry Requirements

  • Hold a UK CAA Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or higher

  • Hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate (recommended for commercial pilots)

  • Have completed a Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR) or full IR (preferred but not required)

  • Logged a minimum of 100 total flight hours


Training Breakdown

Flight Training (3-5 Hours Total)

Upset Prevention Techniques

  • Understanding aerodynamic principles of stalls and unusual attitudes

  • Use of control inputs to prevent upsets

  • Managing the surprise and startle effect

Upset Recovery Manoeuvres

  • Recovery from unusual attitudes (excessive pitch and bank angles)

  • Recognition and recovery from aerodynamic stalls

  • Recovery from incipient and fully developed spins

  • Asymmetric flight recovery and engine failure scenarios

High-Performance Manoeuvring

  • Effective use of power and energy management

  • Handling high and low-speed upsets

  • Applying corrective actions based on flight condition


Ground School & Theoretical Knowledge

  • Causes and contributing factors to aircraft upsets

  • Recovery techniques and best practices

  • Human factors, physiological effects, and pilot responses

  • Flight envelope limitations and energy management

  • Regulations and industry best practices


Examinations & Certification

  • UPRT Flight Test: Conducted by a qualified instructor, assessing: ✅ Ability to recognise and prevent upsets ✅ Recovery from unusual attitudes and stalls ✅ Correct use of flight controls and power settings

  • Certification: Meets CAA/EASA requirements for commercial pilot training


Privileges & Limitations

Privileges:

  • Mandatory for pilots progressing to MCC/APS MCC

  • Enhances safety and confidence in handling abnormal flight conditions

  • Meets CAA/EASA commercial pilot training requirements

Limitations:

  • UPRT does not replace standard stall and spin recovery training

  • Required before APS MCC but not a substitute for MCC certification


Expected Timeline

  • Full-time students: 1-2 days (subject to weather and scheduling)

  • Part-time students: Flexible based on availability


Progression to the Next Stage

After completing UPRT, pilots will move on to:

  • Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) or Airline Pilot Standard MCC (APS MCC)

  • Airline pilot selection and employment preparation

UPRT is a critical step in transitioning from single-pilot operations to a professional commercial aviation career, ensuring pilots have the skills and confidence to handle high-risk situations effectively.

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