Training Corner

How exactly do you put your finger on the single most important aerodynamic component or practice related to upset recovery training? That’s a tough question and, quite honestly, the answer varies depending upon the situation being addressed. As opposed to picking “one” aerodynamic component as “the” critical factor in upset recoveries, a thorough discussion of recovery techniques must focus on the order in which control loss issues are addressed for a generalized recovery to be effective in a wide variety of instances.

The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) plays a critical role in ensuring every pilot being instructed and evaluated by them is ultimately safe and safety conscious. As CFIs, our assessment of a pilot’s proficiency status comprehends a wide spectrum including: flight preparation, aeronautical knowledge, recency of experience, regulatory awareness and compliance, system management, stick and rudder skill, aeronautical decision-making and mental attitude. In General Aviation, the CFI commonly represents the measuring stick by which most pilots compare their piloting capability to the ideal. This is a tremendous responsibility that CFIs should not take lightly.

The intent of this article is to provide pilots of all skill and experience levels an opportunity to review the general concepts of the All-Attitude Upset RecoveryTM Technique. The recovery is designed as a single procedure checklist to address both stalls and unusual attitudes in a wide variety of fixed wing aircraft to include general aviation, business jet and airline transport airplanes. As a checklist, its successful application is significantly improved if the pilot has completed a comprehensive upset recovery training course. As with all in-flight procedures, the pilot implementing the recovery is expected to have aircraft-specific knowledge related to their aircraft’s performance and flight characteristics.

Enter APS Emergency Maneuver Training, whose motto is ‘to fly another day.’ APS is located in Mesa, Arizona, and is one of a handful of schools around the country that offers upset training to pilots of all backgrounds. APS is one of the few that is 141 approved, and that is dedicated to this type of training. We recently completed the APS Professional Pilot Upset Recovery Training Course, which included the core upset recovery program, spin training and instrument recovery training. While there are a number of schools that offer this type of training, we feel that APS offers an excellent value based upon the qualifications of the instructors, the quality of the curriculum, and the suitability of the airplane used.

The understanding of how wing shape dramatically effects stall characteristics and resulting aircraft behavior is another critical element of upset recovery and stall/spin training techniques. In the video clip below, Clarke “Otter” McNeace, discusses the general concepts of wing design as they relate to a comprehensive upset recovery training program.

This video takes just a few minutes to give clients preparing for training a few tips how to be best prepared. Clarke “Otter” McNeace (Director of APS Flight Training) discusses the All-Attitude Upset Recovery Technique, expected flight schedule and how to physically/mentally prepare for a fun challenge.

The understanding of how wing shape dramatically effects stall characteristics and resulting aircraft behavior is another critical element of upset recovery and stall/spin training techniques. In the video clip below, Clarke “Otter” McNeace, discusses the general concepts of wing design as they relate to a comprehensive upset recovery training program.

The V-G Diagram is a relatively unfamiliar diagram to most non-military pilots. However, it’s full understanding and practical implication is absolutely critical to upset recovery and stall/spin training techniques. In the video clip below, Clarke “Otter” McNeace, discusses this diagram’s value to a comprehensive upset recovery training program.

This video prepares clients for taking the APS online upset recovery course using the CAE Learning Management System. APS President, Paul BJ Ransbury, takes you through the various unique navigation features of the program for students to better understand the designs enhancements to ensure key learning concepts are emphasized.

For years, our clients at APS have been trying to convince us to put our academic program online. Well, we were finally convinced to do so. November 2009 is our hallmark launch date for this extensive course of video training. It is truly excellent with host video, animations and instructor-led explanations of many difficult concepts. Have a look at this 25 minute course preview to get a sense of the course …

The Total Lift Equation is an important component in the development of a pilot’s ability to academically understand the founding principles of upset recovery and stall/spin training techniques. In the video clip below, Clarke “Otter” McNeace, discusses the Total Lift Equation in general and correlates its value to a comprehensive upset recovery training program.