Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the buzzword of the moment, but there’s no question it will play a significant role in the future of aviation safety. From predictive maintenance to enhanced situational awareness in the cockpit, AI is rapidly shaping the next era of flight safety—and at APS, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of innovations that make pilots safer.

Beyond its high-tech applications, can AI help us better understand how pilots experience and benefit from Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT)? We decided to have a little fun and put Large Language Models (LLMs) to the test. We applied AI analysis to hundreds of unfiltered online pilot reviews of APS UPRT programs, and the results were stunning. AI revealed distinct patterns and compelling trends in how pilots—across all experience levels and every sector of aviation—transform their capabilities after uncovering and addressing critical gaps in upset recovery skills.

The Most Experienced Pilots Had the Biggest Wake-Up Call

The first trend that emerged from the AI analysis by two separate LLMs was remarkable: pilots with decades of experience weren’t just rating the training highly—they were consistently describing it as “the best they’ve ever received.” AI identified nine distinct variations of this phrase, specifically from highly experienced aviators who have seen every type of training imaginable.

One law enforcement pilot related:

“The best aviation training I have experienced in 45 years of flying. I am convinced it should be mandatory for all professional pilots.”

     ~ Airborne Public Safety Pilot

Many pilots admitted they had unknowingly flown with gaps in their upset recovery skills for years, and a couple expressed this to be the case even though they had been through some form of simulator UPRT training. Pilots, some with 10,000+ hours of flight time, described the training saying:

“Absolutely the most valuable training I’ve ever had as a professional aviator.”

     ~ Part 135 Pilot

“My only regret here is that I waited until 12,000 flight hours to get this training!”

     ~ G280 Captain

“I hate to say it, but I was surprised at how much I learned. As a large cabin Gulfstream pilot, I’ve certainly been through Flight Safety and the like a few times but have never looked at upsets and the recovery strategy like this.”

      ~ Corporate Jet Pilot

These insights confirm a reality that many in aviation already understand: traditional training doesn’t fully prepare pilots for the real-world dynamics of an unexpected aircraft upset. Even those with vast experience may never have faced the disorienting, high-stakes moments of a real aerodynamic departure—until they do. UPRT provides a controlled but realistic environment for pilots to confront and master these challenges before they happen in an actual emergency.

Low-Hour Pilots Expected to Struggle—But Didn’t

While seasoned pilots were often shocked by what they learned, low-hour pilots came away with a different revelation: confidence. Many private and new commercial pilots came into training expecting to be overwhelmed, but they left with a sense of mastery they didn’t realize was possible.

Reviews from pilots with fewer than 500 hours mentioned:

“After completing [the APS UPRT]  program, I feel that I am a more confident, competent, and most of all, a safer pilot.”

    ~ Airline Flight School Student

“Overall, I’ve become much more confident as a new CFI after UPRT training, and I’ve improved my manual handling skills as well as developed mental strength.”

    ~ Recently graduated CFI pilot

This reinforces something we’ve long believed at APS: a pilot’s ability to recover from an upset isn’t necessarily about total hours—it’s about having the right training. UPRT levels the playing field by giving pilots, regardless of experience, a structured, repeatable strategy for preventing airplane upsets, or if necessary, regaining control.

Simulator vs. Real Aircraft: The Missing Element of UPRT

Another strong theme in the AI analysis was the realization that simulator training alone does not fully prepare pilots for an unexpected upset. Many pilots who had undergone extensive simulator-based UPRT were amazed by the difference when applying their skills in a real aircraft.

Examples of  feedback included:

“One of the most enlightening experiences in my aviation career. You simply cannot replicate the lessons learned from this course in a simulator.”

~US Army Pilot

“Our flight department has been through APS’s UPRT program 3 times. After each training event, our pilots express the importance of this training. The training gives everyone an essential battle plan for the unexpected. Training in a real aircraft for upset recovery is imperative to build muscle memory and to mitigate the surprise factor of an actual in-flight event.”

     ~ Flight Department Manager

This confirms what APS has long emphasized: simulators are excellent tools for procedural training, but they cannot fully replicate the physiological and cognitive challenges of an in-flight upset. The combination of classroom instruction, simulator training, and real-aircraft experience provides the most comprehensive and effective approach to mitigating Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I).

Transformational Training: Every Pilot Leaves Changed

No matter their background, experience level, or initial expectations, pilots who complete UPRT describe it as transformative. AI revealed a consistent and undeniable theme across all reviews: pilots left their training with more confidence, greater competence, and a critical skill set they didn’t realize they were missing.

“Most transformative training I’ve experienced in over 20 years of professional flying. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training like this should be integrated into all segments of aviation; commercial, private, and sport/recreational.”

     ~ Corporate Jet Pilot

At APS, we’ve always known the power of UPRT to save lives and elevate pilot performance. But seeing these insights laid out so clearly through AI analysis reaffirms that this training isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.