In the competitive pilot-training landscape, United Aviate Academy (UAA) stands out with a bold safety-first partnership reaching new heights. Located at Phoenix‑Goodyear Airport, UAA has teamed up with Aviation Performance Solutions (APS), an industry leader in Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT), to equip UAA students with critical defenses against Loss‑of‑Control In‑Flight (LOC‑I), one of aviation’s top safety threats.
According to the FAA and NTSB, LOC‑I continues to dominate general aviation accident statistics. The FAA Fact Sheet on General Aviation Safety ranked the ten leading causes of general aviation fatal accidents during the period 2014-2023 and LOC-I was ranked number one and continues to persist as a top safety threat in both general aviation and commercial aviation.
The FAA’s Advisory Circular 120‑111, emphasizes that effective UPRT focuses on preventing an upset before recovery is needed. It outlines the fundamental principles of UPRT, which should encompass advanced instructor training, thorough academic preparation, early detection of upsets, proficiency in manual aircraft handling, and the integration of CRM.
Building on these principles, UAA leverages APS’s renowned UPRT program, which surpasses regulatory minimums and adopts the “Every Pilot In Control Solution StandardTM” (EPIC‑S2TM) optimizing UPRT effectiveness. Courses integrate classroom theory, transformative on-aircraft all-attitude, and advanced simulator training, all facilitated by APS’s cadre of expert UPRT instructors.
Informational Video
Informational Video
“United Aviate Academy and United Airlines have redefined pilot training safety. By making APS’s specialized UPRT standard for their uniquely talented candidates, they’ve set the gold standard—proven to save lives, said Paul “BJ” Ransbury, CEO of Aviation Performance Solutions. “Fully aligned with ICAO’s vision since 2019, this program surpasses global standards in critical life-saving areas often missed by typical UPRT, preparing todays and tomorrows pilots for the highest level of safety.”
UPRT isn’t just about recovery – it’s about strengthening aeronautical decision-making, improving flight envelope awareness, and building crisis resilience—empowering pilots to confidently recognize and mitigate the earliest stages of an upset. Students learn the signature “push–roll–thrust-stabilize” upset prevention and recovery strategy, angle‑of‑attack recognition, and transferrable aircraft handling skills across real and simulated platforms. This rigorous training responds directly to FAA data showing that LOC‑I remains the leading cause of catastrophic general aviation and air carrier accidents.
“At UAA, our students already receive high-quality training, so incorporating UPRT into the curriculum was a natural fit,” said Michael Hales, CEO of United Aviate Academy. “We require the course between their Instrument and Commercial Certificates to strengthen safety and situational awareness – ultimately making our students safer pilots.”
The early adoption of APS’s curriculum signals a major safety investment, offering future pilots a substantial advantage before they enter the United flight deck.
“APS training provided me with invaluable upset recovery training that taught me critical skills essential for safe and confident flying,” said Taneesha Tavkar, UAA graduate and Progress Check and Standardization Instructor. “The hands-on experience deepened my understanding of aircraft control in extreme situations. These foundational skills are not only important for the airlines, but also vital through the onset of student pilot training.”
Teaming up with APS represents the practical application of innovative education – it’s deliberate, measured, and safety‑driven. Aligning training with FAA guidance and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) goals, UAA ensures tomorrow’s commercial pilots are getting prepared for some of the most prevalent safety risks now, in the safest possible manner, in the safest possible environment.
United Aviate Academy is currently accepting applicants. Visit aviateacademy.com to learn more and apply.
