Why Upset Prevention Recovery Training?

Loss of Control Inflight (LOC-I) is the main cause of loss of life in aircraft accidents. Many of the accidents needn’t have ended in disaster if the pilots had been trained to better deal with the avoidance, prevention and reality of an Upset. UPRT is now compulsory for all pilots. AFMT has developed specific UPRT courses appropriate to cover all levels of pilot licensing requirements. 


  • There is, as yet, no simple technological solution to recovery from aircraft upsets as there was with the advent of  EGPWS, TCAS etc. An upset is not always avoidable and can be completely unexpected. Without exposure and training, the effects of Startle and Surprise can be debilitating for an extended period of time...while recovery action must be initiated it time to prevent a Loss of Control In flight  (LOC-I) situation from developing. 
  • AFMT provides comprehensive Preventative training through Awareness, Avoidance and Recognition. However, because upset occurrences often happen unexpectedly, AFMT will provide the pilot with the requisite experience and trained skills needed to Recover from an Upset and return the aircraft to it’s normal state in a proportionate and timely manner.
  • AFMT has a broad and structured approach to Upset Prevention Recovery Training. (UPRT).

The three main causes of an Upset during flight are:

1: Environmental

2: System malfunctions

3: Pilot induced

AFMT provides both comprehensive academic and aircraft training courses that are designed to teach, experience and practice the philosophy of UPRT.

The Academic Training:

A thorough refreshment of academic subjects such as aerodynamics, but most importantly the course explores new perspectives regarding the subject matter. 

Results show that when the theory is made relevant to pilots they not only retain that knowledge but also apply it in normal operations. It becomes another important resource in the pilots’ toolbox of skills, experience, knowledge and TEM. The knowledge gained is demonstrated and used directly and indirectly during the flight training. Importantly the learning experience is maximised by giving you the opportunity to evaluate your actions in regard to the theory, adapt, correct and try again. All within a safe and controlled environment.  

The Flight Training:

Using a modern side by side configured aerobatic aircraft, the Zlin 242L, you will put the theory into practice. You will seek out and exceed the normal flight envelope. You will learn to recognize situations that can easily lead to an upset. You will learn to take timely corrective (preventative) action averting an upset. You will learn skills needed to recovery from any type of upset, including realistic dynamic scenarios. You will experience the physiological impact of an upset. This will include the “startle effect” and possible spatial disorientation. You will learn to “feel” the aircraft thorough tactile, audio and visual clues. You will be able to make mistakes, and learn from them.

You will gain confidence in your own knowledge and capability in recognizing and mitigating upset threats. You will gain confidence in your aircraft and in your own flying ability in applying proportional corrective control to recover from an upset.