Train-the-Trainers: Upset Recovery Training Aid Intro
The Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid - Revision 2 (URTA) sets the framework for the minimum content and quality of training professional jet pilots should receive to be prepared to receive its specialized upset recovery training in an appropriate flight simulation training device (FSTD). The URTA represents the industry's 'go to' resource on how to address commercial aviation’s most lethal threat, Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I).
Industry Challenge in Upset Recovery
The major challenge facing the industry is that the vast majority of pilots, instructor pilots, check airman and simulator instructor pilots typically do not have much, if any, relevant upset recovery experience to draw upon. Without the FFS instructor cadre being highly qualified to teach the maneuvers and techniques presented in the URTA, the industry will be in the unfortunate situation of having designated upset recovery instructors not realizing they are unqualified to teach the line pilots who, in turn, trust these same instructors to have expert knowledge. After all, LOC-I is the most lethal threat to safety in commercial aviation for a very good reason – the instructor skills necessary to teach the URTA strategies and educate pilots on how to resolve unusual airplane upset situations are skills that are absent in almost every flight school and flight training institution around the world.
Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Instructor URTA Exposure Option to Training Providers
As a leading provider of upset recovery skill development instruction, programs and LOC-I solutions, APS offers various levels of threat mitigation. The most basic exposure program is listed here and, from the APS perspective, should be considered the minimum training curriculum* required for a typical instructor pilot to attend before attempting to teach limited portions of the URTA materials to line pilots in the FFS. The current URTA resource offers a manual, powerpoint presentation and integrated training video. In our experience, the knowledge and skill level expected of the instructor by training institutions and their clients are not easily accomplished utilizing these resources alone unless the instructor pilot has significant formal training and practical experience operating in the all-attitude environment.
* The APS-recommended FFS qualification program (ie. not the minimum program) should include, in addition to the above, 2.5 days of on-aircraft upset prevention & recovery training (UPRT). During this on-aircraft UPRT the prospective FFS UPRT instructor gains considerable awareness, knowledge and skill pertinent to enhancing their ability to impart both transfer of skill and real world upset experience.
Video Course Overview by the APS President
The following video addresses various aspects of this FFS IP Enhancement Training Course relative to the Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid, Revision 2. Topics such as APS-unique qualifications justifying the expert delivery of this training, course content, instruction techniques and an overview of the exercises identified by the URTA for use by FFS IPs.
Available in Full Screen View
FFS IP Enhancement Exposure Training - URTA-Specific
* More Advanced Programs Available on Request
This IP Enhancement Exposure Training course is considered by APS to be the minimum training a simulator instructor pilot requires to provide URTA-Compliant FFS training. The IP-In-Training receives enhanced instructor knowledge critical to teaching the fundamental exercises of the URTA. In addition, following APS URTA-IP-Upgrade training, each graduate IP is provided complimentary 3-month access to a comprehensive online video training resource created by APS on the techniques and insights necessary to teach the URTA maneuvers. This video training series provides the graduate IP with a resource that addresses the most common misunderstandings the typical pilot has with respect to URTA teachings. The FFS IP Enhancement Training (URTA-Specific) program outline is as follows:
Description: 1-Day FFS URTA-Specific IP Enhancement Training Course
Before getting into the overview of this course, we feel it is important to emphasize this is NOT a cake-walk. FFS IPs attending this program are expected to be prepared and well-studied before arriving at APS Emergency Maneuver Training. We will provide all the materials and online access for preparation, however, it is up to each individual IP to be ready. The more prepared the IP In-Training is for the course, the better they will perform, retain and enjoy this advanced training program. Our goal is for each IP to have the opportunity to learn the FUNDAMENTALS of the URTA to ensure their line pilots are being given correct and URTA-complimentary training. Becoming a true expert in delivering the URTA will take many hours of instruction in the FFS and diligent study after leaving this program. Fortunately, APS makes this transition from apprentice to master possible and painless through the integration of its APS Video Membership Training site where APS experts explain how to teach upset recovery exercises both during ground training as well as during in-flight sessions in the FFS. This course does not certified or qualify participants as APS Instructors in any way.
Preparatory CBT:
- Core Upset Recovery Concepts for Professional Jet Pilots
- Developed directly from the Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid - Revision 2
- Requires a minimum of 3-hours of home study
Instructor-led Training with an APS Expert:
- 2-hour pre-flight training session
- 30-minute post-flight training session
4-Hour Simulator Session:
- Two IPs-in-Training per 4-Hour simulator block with an APS Instructor
- Single-IP and 3-IP courses are available on request, however, training providers should keep in mind that the 2-IP per Course combination is considered the optimum loading per 4-Hour Sim session.
- Preferably in a Level D FFS
(APS-Designated Upset Recovery IPs can teach URTA principles to URTA IPs-in-Training in any FFS aircraft type irrespective of size, instrumentation, performance or configuration) - Each IP-in-Training will have 3-Hours at the controls in this 2-IP Course
- 1.5 Hour Pilot-Flying
- 1.5 Hours Pilot-Not-Flying (Pilot-Monitoring)
- 1.0 Hours observing the APS IP teaching URTA recoveries to the other IP.
- It is crucial for IPs-In-Training to attend this course in pairs or as a crew. An important aspect of the training is observing how another pilot is taught the URTA maneuver entries, recoveries and common errors.
- The Mesa, Arizona course predominantly uses a CAE EMB-145 Level D Full Flight Simulator
Optional Benefits: Available at an Additional Cost
- Membership to the APS Video Training Membership Site. IPs choosing this add-on benefit will be given access to the membership course 1-week prior to their training session at APS through the completion of the FFS instructor course at APS.
Suggested Prerequisites for IPs Interested in Attending this Course
- Extensive Overall Instructional Experience
- Master CFI and/or Gold Seal Instructor, and/or
- Minimum 4-Years of Full-time Advanced Flight Instruction Experience (Both Ground and Flight)
- Significant FFS-specific Instructional Experience
- Minimum of 2-Year Full-time Full Flight Simulator Instructor Experience
- Extensive Professional Flight Experience and Instructor Experience in the All-Attitude Environment is Strongly Recommended
- Former/current operational military fighter pilot, and/or
- Former/current advanced aerobatic competitor, and/or
- Former/current test pilot school graduate.
These prerequisites are not mandatory. The above suggested prerequisites are provided to assist training managers in the selection of IPs from their flight department who will be most suitable to attend this training program. The overall capabilities of the exposure-course graduate instructor will be significantly influenced by the extent of their previous flight and instructional experience related to all-attitude maneuvering and personal commitment level.
Historically Demonstrated Fact: Training managers and interested instructors should keep in mind that it takes months and years of full-time enhanced stall and upset recovery training experience on a full-time basis to become an expert instructor in this discipline. Month-long Licensed-Use APS-URT-IP-Approved programs are available for instructors and training institutions seeking an on-going quality-assured capability to provide industry-compliant training to their clients. Please contact APS if your organization is interested in becoming a APS-Franchise Upset Recovery Training Provider.
Highly Recommended Add-On (Extra Charge):
In our years of experience training URT instructors at APS, we feel very strongly that URT designated subject matter experts (SMEs) selected a flight department or an airline must participate in an integrated on-aircraft upset recovery training program. We have found this to be crucial to properly preparing designated remote SMEs to more effectively impart the skills integral to a FFS URT IP. This add-on is at an additional charge and we usually recommend the Professional Pilot Upset Recovery Training program at APS.
Worldwide Course Delivery Methods by APS
Fixed-Base Training: Mesa, Arizona USA
Price*: $8,044.00 per Course
- Includes 2 IPs per Course
- Includes 4-Hour Level D ERJ-145 or CRJ-200/700/900 FFS Simulator Rental with APS Instructor
- 2.5 Hours Instructor-Led Academic Training
- 3-8 Hour CBT on the Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid - Revision 2
Deployed Off-Site Training: North America
Minimum Course Guarantee: Five (5) FFS IP Enhancement Training Courses per 5-day period
- All Travel Fees/Expenses Covered by Client: Quoted per Contract
Deployed Off-Site Training: South America / Europe / Africa / Asia / Middle East
Minimum Course Guarantee: Ten (10) FFS IP Enhancement Training Courses per 11-day period
- All Travel Fees/Expenses Covered by Client: Quoted per Contract
