The article examines the physiological aspects of UPRT and their effect on pilot training and proficiency.
The physiological aspects of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) play a crucial role in enhancing pilot proficiency. UPRT is designed to equip pilots with the necessary skills to handle unexpected flight conditions, thereby reducing the risk of Loss of Control in-flight (LOC-I) incidents. The physiological aspects of UPRT involve understanding how the human body responds to various flight conditions, including high altitude, G-forces, and stress.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommends that all instructors assigned to provide training in a UPRT program should successfully complete a UPRT instructor qualification training course. This is due to the significant safety implications and the consequences of applying poor instructional technique or providing misleading information in UPRT.
One of the key physiological aspects of UPRT is the startle response, which can occur during unexpected flight conditions. The startle response is a rapid, involuntary reaction to a sudden or surprising stimulus. In the context of aviation, this could be an unexpected change in aircraft attitude, sudden turbulence, or a system failure. The startle response can lead to a temporary loss of cognitive function, which can be detrimental in a critical flight situation.
UPRT training aims to mitigate the startle response by exposing pilots to unexpected flight conditions in a controlled environment, such as a flight simulator. This exposure helps pilots to become more familiar with these conditions, reducing the intensity of the startle response over time.
The physiological aspects of UPRT also extend to the physical demands of flying. Pilots are subjected to various forces during flight, including G-forces during turns and turbulence. Understanding how the body responds to these forces is crucial for maintaining control of the aircraft.
In conclusion, the physiological aspects of UPRT are integral to enhancing pilot proficiency. By understanding how the human body responds to various flight conditions, pilots can better prepare for unexpected situations, thereby reducing the risk of LOC-I incidents. ♦
References:
- International Civil Aviation Organisation (2021). Manual on Aeroplane Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. ICAO. [online] Available at: https://www.icao.int [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
- Federal Aviation Administration (2023). UPRT White Paper. FAA. [online] Available at: https://www.faa.gov [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
- SKYbrary (2021). Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) - Updated Perspectives. [online] Available at: https://www.skybrary.aero [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
- Bennetts, B. (2021). Integrating Simulators Into UPRT: Practical Demonstrations of Aerodynamic Principles. Alaska Airlines. [online] Available at: https://www.alaskaair.com [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
- Cox, J. (2021). Safety Auditor’s Role Concerning UPRT to Address LOC-I. Safety Operating System (SOS). [online] Available at: https://www.sos.com [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].