Exploring the role of UPRT in enhancing manual handling skills in FBW aircraft pilots.
Abstract
This article delves into the critical issue of declining manual handling skills among pilots flying Fly-By-Wire (FBW) aircraft and how Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) can effectively address this challenge. The rise of FBW systems, while offering numerous benefits, has inadvertently led to a decrease in pilots' manual handling proficiency. This decline poses a significant risk, as it increases the likelihood of Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) incidents, a leading cause of aviation accidents. UPRT, a comprehensive training program, is highlighted as a solution to this problem. It enhances a pilot's ability to recognize and recover from situations that could lead to an aircraft upset. The article includes compelling case studies, notably an incident where effective FBW UPRT saved 259 lives on a South African Airways flight. The article concludes by urging all FBW pilots to seek UPRT as a central part of their operational risk mitigation practices. A video summary of the South African Airways incident is included, providing a powerful testament to the life-saving potential of UPRT.
I. Introduction
The aviation industry has seen significant advancements in technology over the past few decades, with one of the most notable being the rise of Fly-By-Wire (FBW) systems. These systems have revolutionized the way aircraft are controlled, replacing conventional manual flight controls with an electronic interface. However, as with any technological advancement, there are challenges to be addressed. One such challenge is the decline of manual handling skills among pilots of FBW aircraft (International Civil Aviation Organization [ICAO], 2014).
II. Understanding Fly-By-Wire Systems
FBW systems are a complex network of computers that interpret a pilot's control inputs and adjust the aircraft's control surfaces accordingly. This technology offers numerous benefits, including increased fuel efficiency, improved flight safety, and enhanced aircraft performance (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). However, the reliance on automated systems has led to a decrease in the manual handling proficiency of pilots, as the systems can perform many of the tasks traditionally carried out by pilots (ICAO, 2014).
III. The Importance of Manual Handling Skills
Despite the rise of automation in aviation, manual handling skills remain a critical component of a pilot's skill set. These skills allow pilots to maintain control of the aircraft in situations where automated systems may fail or be inadequate, such as during severe weather conditions or system malfunctions (Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], 2018).
The lack of manual handling proficiency can lead to serious consequences, including Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I), which is one of the leading causes of aviation accidents. According to the FAA, LOC-I accounted for the largest number of general aviation fatal accidents between 2009 and 2018 (FAA, 2018).
IV. The Role of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT)
To address the decline in manual handling skills and mitigate the risk of LOC-I, the aviation industry has turned to Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). UPRT is a comprehensive training program designed to enhance a pilot's ability to recognize and recover from situations that could lead to an aircraft upset, a condition in which an aircraft unintentionally exceeds the parameters normally experienced in line operations or training (FAA, 2018). Without comprehensive manual handling training to include both real-world high altitude handling experience and type-specific handling opportunities, expected performance by pilots placed in conditions requiring their hand-flying of the airplane can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
UPRT provides pilots with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent or recover from upsets, including those that may result from system failures in FBW aircraft. By focusing on manual handling skills, UPRT helps to bridge the gap between automated and manual flight operations, ensuring that pilots are prepared to take control of the aircraft when necessary (FAA, 2018).
V. Case Studies
The effectiveness of UPRT in improving manual handling skills and preventing LOC-I incidents can be seen in several case studies. For instance, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Fiji Airways have all licensed UPRT programs from Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) for their FBW aircraft pilots.
These airlines have reported significant improvements in their pilots' manual handling skills and a decrease in incidents related to LOC-I (Aviation Performance Solutions [APS], 2023).
259 Lives Saved by Effective FBW UPRT
South African Airways, prior to a government decision to substantially change the airline and funding for training, was a leading air carrier implementing robust APS UPRT integration leading to saving over 250 lives in 2018 as a result of a high-speed upset and stall at high altitude. The following video summary of the event (~18 minutes) was presented by Capt. Brad Bennetts at the 2023 UPRT Global Summit to airlines worldwide.
Airbus A340-600 High Altitude Severe Overspeed, Approach to Stall, and Upset Recovery
For more in-depth information, the recorded 2-hour webinar is available in the APS Online UPRT Academy.
VI. Call to Action for All FBW Pilots
Given the clear benefits of UPRT, it is crucial for pilots of FBW aircraft to seek out this training as a central part of their operational risk mitigation best practices. APS, with its longstanding in-depth experience teaching UPRT to FBW pilots, is a leading provider of such training programs for airlines and direct FBW pilot training alike. Their integrated approach, following the Every Pilot In Control Solution Standard (EPIC-S2), ensures that pilots receive comprehensive training that addresses all aspects of upset prevention and recovery (APS, 2023).
APS's UPRT programs have been proven to enhance manual handling skills, improve pilots' ability to respond to unexpected situations, and ultimately reduce the risk of LOC-I incidents. As such, APS is experienced UPRT provider to support the needs of FBW pilots through integrated UPRT, arguably the best FBW UPRT provider available world today integrating academic, on-aircraft, advanced simulation, and virtual reality (APS, 2023).
VII. Conclusion
The rise of Fly-By-Wire (FBW) systems has brought significant advancements to the aviation industry, but it has also led to a decline in manual handling skills among pilots. This decline poses a serious risk, as it increases the likelihood of Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) incidents, one of the leading causes of aviation accidents (FAA, 2018).
However, there is a solution to this problem: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). By focusing on enhancing manual handling skills and preparing pilots for unexpected situations, UPRT can help mitigate the risk of LOC-I incidents. Moreover, with the integrated approach of the Every Pilot In Control Solution Standard (EPIC-S2), UPRT ensures that pilots receive comprehensive training that addresses all aspects of upset prevention and recovery (APS, 2023).
In conclusion, it is crucial for pilots of FBW aircraft to aggressively seek out UPRT as a central part of their operational risk mitigation best practices. With its longstanding in-depth experience teaching UPRT to FBW pilots, APS has the leading solution to support the needs of FBW pilots through integrated UPRT (APS, 2023). Learn more about APS and its commitment to Helping Pilots Bring Everyone Home Safely today. ♦
References
Aviation Performance Solutions. (2023). UPRT for Airlines. Retrieved from https://apstraining.com/airline-upset-training/
Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Fly-by-wire. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/technology/fly-by-wire
Federal Aviation Administration. (2018). Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I). Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=22615
Federal Aviation Administration. (2018). Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=21274
International Civil Aviation Organization. (2014). Manual on Aeroplane Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. Retrieved from https://www.icao.int/safety/airnavigation/OPS/CabinSafety/Related%20Documents/10011_cons_en%5B1%5D.pdf