You are here: / / UPRT: This is how a pilot prepares for a loss of control

  • UPRT: This is how a pilot prepares for a loss of control

Since 2019, the European Air Safety Agency EASA has established compulsory UPRT training, but what is UPRT and what does it consist of exactly?

UPRT or Upset Prevention & Recovery Training is the practical training in manoeuvres for the prevention of loss of control of an aircraft, including requirements for preparation of adverse situations or disturbances which have an effect on the pilot’s physiological or psychological factors.

If you’d like to become an airline pilot, you need to be ready to deal with all sorts of situations when flying, including the anomalous situations that may occur on a plane.

Let’s take one step at a time. Before we go on, here’s a video we’ve prepared for you to see what UPRT is. Don’t miss it! The images are amazing…


What are anomalous positions in UPRT

Those in which the aeroplane goes further than 25º, nose up, 10º nose down or warping turns over 45º.

Additionally, an unwanted lower or higher speed is also considered a possible anomalous position in a flight.

How are they produced

There are four reasons which, basically, can induce anomalous positions:

  1. Atmospheric origin. A storm, wind shearing, a mountain wave or turbulent wake can give rise to anonymous positions in flight.
  2. The actual airplane system. This can give wrong flight indications or the autopilot can even trigger anomalous conditions.
  3. Distractions. The pilot could become distracted and lose situational consciousness or become disoriented which could lead to an anomalous situation of the aeroplane.
  4. A combination of the above.

What does UPRT training consist of

Before causing a controlled anomalous situation in a flight, firstly we look at theory.

For 5 hours the concepts we have already met in the ATPL course, especially those with regards to Flight principles and Performance, are revised. Here is where the manoeuvres that are practiced whilst flying are learnt.

During the theoretical part, the possible optical illusions and effects which can arise through exposition to higher than usual g forces are also studied.

And once theory is learnt, it’s time for practise!

This phase consists of 3 flying hours that are divided into two flights in which to put into practice the knowledge acquired in theoretical training.

Why two flights? Well, even if it does not seem to be the case, UPRT flights are really tiring. Remember, they’re not usual manoeuvres that simulate sharp turns with a really tilted aircraft, so believe us when we say a break in between is well appreciated.

Manoeuvres in UPRT training

In UPRT different types of manoeuvres are carried out. They are as follows:

  • Turns with warping of 45º and 60º
  • Losses with different configurations
  • Nose-up attitudes
  • Nose-down attitudes
  • Spirals
  • Incipient augers

During the practical part, you’ll learn to recognise the different situations, both visually and with the instruments on board.

Watch out though! It’s important to keep in mind that UPRT training isn’t air acrobatics; UPTR’s main objective is to prevent anomalous situations happening in the first place and their correct handling, should they inevitably occur.

UPRT certified aircraft

For UPRT training, it is necessary to use an aircraft certified for utility category, i.e., one that allows higher g-forces than those that would be supported in the normal category. This is over 4.4 g in its higher limit and -2.2g in its lower one.

It is paramount to know the minimum and maximum speeds of the airplane because during the different manoeuvres, speeds will change drastically and quickly from low to high speed.

Diamond DA20 C1

At One Air, UPRT flights are done on board one of our Diamond DA20 C1: a single engine aeroplane with double seat, low wing and carbon fibre.

Its high performance in flight, as well as its wide ranging glide rate, make Diamond DA20 an exceptional aircraft for UPRT training.

The most important thing is

Safety in UPRT flights

And finally, safety is the maximum priority in UPRT flights.

Before flying, exhaustive exterior checks will be carried out in order to ensure everything is alright. During the flight, an instructor with habilitation for UPRT training will guide you at all times. And, of course, all the manoeuvres will be done at sufficient altitude, leaving a wide safety margin.

To sum up, all you need to do is make sure you enjoy all the manoeuvres and learn how to handle them correctly.

You may be interested in…

What is hypoxia? Symptoms and causes of oxygen deprivation

…
12 April, 2024/by MTYe7amw

Female pilots, increasingly present in aviation

…
8 March, 2024/by Rosa

The first Tecnam P2008 MKII replica simulator in the world will be at One Air

4 March, 2024/by Rosa

Aviation Medical Certificate: A crucial requirement for pilots

…
23 February, 2024/by MTYe7amw

How to become a private jet pilot: A guide to reach your dream job

13 September, 2023/by MTYe7amw

An airline pilot’s salary: The million-dollar question

21 June, 2023/by MTYe7amw