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“Chilling”, “terrifying”, “disturbing”, “scary”.
These are some words used to describe the final moments of flight deck voice recordings of aircraft lost to Loss of Control-Inflight (LOC-I) accidents. Experienced, veteran pilots- highly trained and skilled- reduced in mere seconds to the capabilities of a sub-10- hour student. Searching for solutions. Fighting for control. Realising, too late, that their final moments are imminent.
Contrary to popular belief, LOC-I is not just an airliner problem. Big accidents make big headlines, and big headlines drive big changes. But small changes can have an even greater impact, and this was the rationale behind the creation of UPRT Australia by its co-founders, Jeremy Miller and Shane Tobin.
“Loss of Control-Inflight is often underreported, yet is the biggest killer in aviation,” says Jeremy Miller, who is also Head of Operations at UPRT Australia. “As a result, many pilots and operators think they are immune or worse, unaware of their risk. Yet, when they complete the training, every single trainee has that moment where they realise how vulnerable they have been”.
A Training Approach That Rewires Instincts
It’s UPRT Australia’s world-class mix of technical knowledge, training, human factors integration and Non-Technical Skills that has propelled it to become one of the most awarded and recognised flight training organisations in the country and the region, in just a few years.
“We constantly look for new ways to train and elevate safety,” says CEO Shane Tobin. “Pilots need to understand that their instinctive reactions in an upset scenario are often the very thing that will kill them.” He explains that psychophysiological responses, the way our body and brain react under stress, are invisible to the untrained. “However, with intensive, immersive and repetitive training, we can effectively re-wire a pilot’s assessment and response patterns, preparing them for virtually any scenario they may encounter.”
Building a Team of Industry Leaders
Recognising industry needs and assembling a highly experienced team has positioned UPRT Australia as the leading provider of advanced aircraft training in the Asia-Pacific. Their expertise has not only set new standards in training but also secured agreements with insurance providers who recognise the value of their programs. “We pride ourselves on the quality of delivery, and having experienced instructors in our team forms a huge part of that” says Miller. UPRT Australia’s instructors bring nearly 100,000 combined experience across every sector of aviation, from recreational aircraft to the most complex Airbus and Boeing aircraft, from aeromedical and charter to military fast jet flying. Tobin adds, “Our team spans a combined 150 years of aviation experience. We don’t just hire based on background; we hire the best person for the job. All our team share the same passion for elevating safety and upskilling, and ensuring that every pilot, and their passengers, get home every night”.
Relevant, Transferable, and Life-Saving Training
One of UPRT Australia’s key philosophies is making training both accessible and relevant. “The skills we teach are completely transferable,” says Miller, who draws on over two decades of all-attitude instructing. “We teach pilots how to respond appropriately, not react. The difference in response means the difference between life and death”.
Breaking the Barrier: Awareness & Misconceptions
When asked the greatest challenge facing their company, Miller is quick to respond- “Lack of awareness of vulnerability. Pilots are often reluctant to face their potential shortcomings.” He continues, “This is understandable to some extent, but we have to remember that no pilot who has been victim to Loss of Control went out thinking it could happen to them”. Tobin highlights another major challenge “There is an over reliance on simulation for UPRT training, particularly here in Australia. While simulators are great tools, and we actively support and integrate them into our training, they are not the only tool. It’s like learning to swim, you can’t just practice beside the pool, you must get in the water.”
From Greatest Risk to Greatest Asset
While Loss of Control-Inflight is probably the greatest risk to any operator, large or small, private or commercial, it’s not all bad news. “UPRT is the ultimate risk mitigator to LOC-I” says Tobin. “But the benefits don’t stop there. Through improving Aeronautical Decision Making, enhancing Situational Awareness, and elevated knowledge, risk and time management skills to name a few non technical skills, plus the inevitable improvement in aircraft handling skills, UPRT transforms that greatest risk into your best operational asset.”
