UPRT Regulations
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      1. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT)
      2. UPRT FAQs
      3. UPRT Regulations

      What is the FAA Regulatory Framework Defining UPRT in the United States

      Understand the FAA's regulations and guidelines on Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) for pilots.

      Abstract

      This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) regulations and guidelines on Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) for pilots. It delves into the FAA's Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 121.423, the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP), and associated Advisory Circulars (ACs), highlighting their implications for UPRT. The article underscores the importance of UPRT in enhancing flight safety and the proficiency of pilots, emphasizing the FAA's commitment to ensuring that pilots are well-equipped to handle potential upset situations. The article concludes with a reflection on the future of aviation, emphasizing the growing importance of UPRT in maintaining and enhancing flight safety.

      I. Introduction

      In the dynamic world of aviation, safety is paramount. One of the key components of flight safety is Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). UPRT equips pilots with the necessary skills to handle unexpected flight situations, particularly aircraft upsets that could lead to a loss of control in-flight. This training is crucial in enhancing a pilot's ability to recognize and avoid situations that could lead to an airplane upset, or if necessary, to recover control of the aircraft. In this article, we delve into the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) regulations and guidelines on UPRT, providing a comprehensive understanding of this critical aspect of flight safety.

      II. FAA FAR 121.423: Extended Envelope Training

      The FAA's Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 121.423, titled "Pilots: Extended Envelope Training," is a cornerstone of UPRT. This regulation mandates that each certificate holder must include in its approved training program, the extended envelope training for each airplane type for each pilot. The training must be performed in a Level C or higher full flight simulator, approved by the Administrator.

      The extended envelope training includes a variety of maneuvers and procedures that are critical in upset prevention and recovery. These include manually controlled slow flight, loss of reliable airspeed, instrument departure and arrival, upset recovery maneuvers, and recovery from bounced landing. Importantly, it also includes instructor-guided hands-on experience of recovery from full stall and stick pusher activation, if equipped.

      Recurrent training is required within 24 calendar months preceding service as a pilot for the first four maneuvers and procedures, and within 36 calendar months for recovery from bounced landing. This ensures that pilots regularly refresh their skills and knowledge, maintaining a high level of proficiency in handling potential upset situations.

      The regulation also provides for deviations from the use of Level C or higher full flight simulator, subject to approval from the Administrator. Compliance with this section was required no later than March 12, 2019. This regulation underscores the FAA's commitment to ensuring that pilots are well-equipped to handle upset situations, ultimately enhancing flight safety.

      III. FAA Advisory Circulars and their Applicability

      FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) provide guidance and recommendations on various aspects of aviation. In the context of UPRT, three ACs are particularly relevant: AC 120-111, AC 120-109A, and AC 120-123.

      A. AC 120-111: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training

      AC 120-111 provides guidance on the development and implementation of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). It emphasizes the importance of integrating UPRT into a carrier's training program to equip pilots with the necessary skills to recognize and recover from airplane upsets. The circular also provides guidance on the use of flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for UPRT and the qualifications required for UPRT instructors.

      B. AC 120-109A: Stall Prevention and Recovery Training

      AC 120-109A focuses on Stall Prevention and Recovery Training. This AC provides guidance for training, testing, and checking pilots to ensure correct responses to impending and full stalls. It emphasizes that reducing the angle of attack (AOA) is the most important pilot action in recovering from an impending or full stall. The AC also incorporates the full stall training requirement of Public Law 111-216 and emphasizes that considerable evaluation of the full flight simulator (FFS) must occur before conducting full stall training in simulation.

      C. AC 120-123: Flightpath Management and Energy Management

      AC 120-123 provides guidance and recommended practices for operators to implement operational procedures and training for the planning, execution, and assurance of the guidance and control of aircraft trajectory and energy, known as flightpath management (FPM). This AC addresses manual flight operations (MFO), managing automated systems, pilot monitoring (PM), and energy management. The AC encourages operators to adopt the recommendations to implement policies, procedures, and training to support effective FPM.

      These ACs provide a comprehensive framework for UPRT, emphasizing the importance of pilot training, proficiency, and awareness in various flight conditions, including upset and stall situations. They provide guidelines for operators to implement effective training programs and operational procedures to ensure safe flight operations.

      IV. FAA ATP CTP: Preparing for the Highest Level of Professional Aviation

      The FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) is another crucial component in the framework of UPRT. The ATP CTP is designed to prepare applicants for an ATP certificate with airplane category multiengine class rating or an ATP certificate issued concurrently with an airplane type rating. The program aims to ensure that applicants can operate safely in operations that require an ATP certificate by rule.

      The ATP CTP is applicable to pilots who are seeking an ATP certificate, which is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate. Those who hold an ATP certificate are authorized to act as pilot-in-command (Captain) of an aircraft in any operation that requires an ATP certificate, such as most commercial airline operations.

      The FAA also authorizes institutions of higher education to certify graduates of specific aviation degree programs for a restricted privileges ATP certificate with reduced aeronautical experience. This authority is distinct from the ATP CTP and allows pilots with fewer than 1,500 hours of flight time to obtain a restricted privileges ATP certificate. A restricted privileges ATP certificate allows a pilot to serve as a co-pilot until he or she obtains the necessary 1,500 hours.

      In summary, the ATP CTP is a critical step for pilots seeking to advance their careers to the highest level of professional aviation. It provides the necessary training and preparation for pilots to operate safely in complex, multiengine airplanes in a variety of operational conditions. The program's emphasis on UPRT underscores the importance of this training in preparing pilots for the challenges they may face in their professional careers.

      V. Conclusion

      The world of aviation is one of constant change and advancement, with safety at its core. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) plays a crucial role in ensuring that pilots are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle unexpected flight situations and recover control of the aircraft. The FAA's regulations and guidelines, including FAR 121.423, the ATP CTP, and associated Advisory Circulars, provide a comprehensive framework for UPRT, emphasizing the importance of regular training, proficiency, and awareness in various flight conditions.

      The FAA's commitment to enhancing flight safety through UPRT is evident in these regulations and guidelines. They provide clear directives for operators to implement effective training programs and operational procedures, ensuring that pilots are well-equipped to handle potential upset situations. As aviation continues to evolve, the importance of UPRT in maintaining and enhancing flight safety cannot be overstated.

      In conclusion, UPRT is an essential component of pilot training, ensuring that pilots are prepared to handle the unexpected and maintain control of their aircraft in all situations. The FAA's regulations and guidelines provide a robust framework for UPRT, underscoring its commitment to enhancing flight safety and the proficiency of pilots. As we look to the future of aviation, the importance of UPRT will undoubtedly continue to grow, making it a critical area of focus for all involved in the industry. ♦

       

      References

      1. Federal Aviation Administration. (2019). FAR 121.423 - Pilots: Extended Envelope Training. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-121/section-121.423

      2. Federal Aviation Administration. (2019). AC 120-111 - Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. FAA Advisory Circulars. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_120-111_CHG_1.pdf

      3. Federal Aviation Administration. (2017). AC 120-109A - Stall Prevention and Recovery Training. FAA Advisory Circulars. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_120-109A.pdf

      4. Federal Aviation Administration. (2021). AC 120-123 - Flightpath Management and Energy Management. FAA Advisory Circulars. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_120-123.pdf

      5. Federal Aviation Administration. (2023). ATP Certification Training Program (CTP). FAA Pilot Training. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/atp/

      6. Federal Aviation Administration. (2018). Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. FAA-H-8083-25B. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/

      7. Federal Aviation Administration. (2019). Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid Revision 2. FAA Training Aids. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/media/uprt/Upset_Prevention.pdf

      8. Federal Aviation Administration. (2019). AC 61-137 - Flight Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing Qualification and Use. FAA Advisory Circulars. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-137.pdf

      9. Federal Aviation Administration. (2018). AC 120-109 - Stall and Stick Pusher Training. FAA Advisory Circulars. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_120-109.pdf

      10. Federal Aviation Administration. (2018). AC 61-107B - Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75. FAA Advisory Circulars. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-107B_CHG_1.pdf