Upset Training? Are you upset?

99% of pilots spend 99% of their time in straight & level flight.

What is “Upset Training?” Aircraft “upsets” are poorly defined. Neither the NTSB nor FAA publish a standard definition. Generally an “upset” could be defined as a flight path or aircraft attitude that was not intended by the pilot flying. Such upsets have led to a Loss of control and resulted in many casualties. As aircraft become more automated pilots receive less “hands on” experience resulting in a gradual but significant reduction in “stick and rudder” skills over time.The recent report by the FAA PARC rule making workgroup cites poor stick and rudder skills as the number 2 risk factor facing pilots today. The simple facts are Windshear, wake turbulence, and automation failures happen. Our mission at Retro is to train pilots to recognize and prevent impending loss of control situations. Additionally should prevention fail, we explore recovery strategies from the most common accident scenarios. Motion simulators have proven to be an excellent tool in pilot training, but they fall short when it comes to stall and loss of control scenarios. Since stall recovery is always initiated at the first indication of stall the techniques we are taught in the sim don’t apply to a full aerodynamic stall. Due to the incredibly complex and unpredictable nature of post stall aerodynamics the simulators can’t even be programmed to accurately emulate an aircraft in a stalled condition, necessitating in-aircraft experience to supplement simulator training. Retro offers an economical stall/upset recovery course co-developed by founder Chaz Perrigoue, and Airline Pilot and Aerobatic competitor Ty Frisby The combination of Ty’s extensive aerobatic experience and Chaz’s extensive turbine experience produced a unique program that best serves our fellow pilots. All of our instructors are experienced turbine and Aerobatic pilots additionally we operate low time and safe FAA certified acrobatic category aircraft Extra 200. By using a certified acrobatic category aircraft, and accomplished aerobatic instructors, Retro can safely teach upset scenarios including full aerodynamic stalls plus scenario based upsets resulting in high bank and pitch attitudes without any worry about the aircrafts ability to recover. Retro strictly adheres to all applicable federal aviation regulations regarding the use of parachutes and safe practice areas.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ):

What type of maneuvers will we fly during the course?

We will focus on exercises to control the AOA and energy state of the aircraft. Retro’s UPRT course places emphasis on the decoupling of speed to AOA. We use a wingover maneuver to demonstrate near zero airspeed with the AOA well below critical, followed by a full aerodynamic stall well above published “stallspeeds.” The student will have opportunity to experience AOA’s beyond a simple buffet. Recovery from unusual attitudes, including fully inverted are practiced to proficiency. Lastly coping strategies for loss of primary controls are explored.

Is UPRT just an Aerobatics course?

No. UPRT is specifically designed to explore “stick and rudder” skills in an all attitude environment. Retro’s UPRT program follows FAA Advisory circular 61-137A. Obviously some maneuvers performed during training will exceed 30 degrees of pitch and or 60 degrees of roll. The core of UPRT is to recognize, prevent and recover form those situations. Aerobatic instruction focuses on the student INTENTIONALLY maneuvering the aircraft beyond those limits.

If UPRT is not aerobatics, why use aerobatic aircraft and instructors?

The simple answer is: it’s the law! Intentional rapid changes in pitch and or bank are prohibited in most normal and utility category aircraft. Additionally our use of certified aerobatic aircraft allows a wide safety margin. Retro’s instructors are fully proficient in all attitude control of our aircraft. The skills needed to setup our UPRT scenarios as well as calmly instructing the students during each maneuver, are honed through countless hours of extreme all attitude practice.

Will I feel motion sickness or discomfort?

It is extremely unlikely you will feel any serious discomfort or motions sickness. Our course has been designed to specifically avoid maneuvers that induce motion related problems. We have never had a student become motion sick! In fact most clients enjoy the experience immensely!

I don’t have any tail wheel experience, does it matter?

No! Prior tail wheel experience is not required. Retro’s use of tail wheel aircraft serves to enhance pilot awareness of rudder use. Many clients report improved landing experience in jet aircraft after only a few landings in our aircraft. Additionally some clients have elected to complete a full tail wheel course after completion of URPT. As your instructor for details.

Does the use of light single engine aircraft accurately translate to the transport category Jet I currently fly?

Yes and no. The wing planform, speed envelope and control forces are quite different from most jet aircraft. However the view out the canopy, and most importantly the prevention and recovery strategies are IDENTICAL.

Does this Training satisfy the requiremtns for Eclipse 500/550 pre type rating training?

Yes! The initial course is structured followingFAAAdvisory Circular 61-137A and qualifies for Eclipse 500/550 upset training requirements.