Upset Recovery Training at APS

[neilki]

Upset Recovery Training at APS in Phoenix -a trip report

Firstly, i believe Upset Recovery Training should be mandatory for all license holders. It should be a currency requirement like a BFR or IPC for Commercial Pilots.

That said, APS is -by far, the most professional and effective flight training environment i've experienced in 20 plus years of flying.
The Instructors are ex Military and still fly in the reserves. They're experienced and highly proficient Aviators and superb instructors. I can't overstate the value of that combination; especially when added to the Extra which is hands down the most capable platform to the task.
The instructors are extremely knowledgable, enthusiastic and genuine. i took every chance i could just to hang out with them (in the vain hope something might rub off…)They are also some of the most patient people i’ve ever met.
From initial welcome from the school, briefings, walking out to the aircraft where you're also escorted by a ‘host’ -whose job is to ensure you are properly strapped in to your parachute, safely seated and strapped in; as well as versed in evacuation & emergency procedures, through the flying itself:-
I remember my first flying lesson, it was called “Effects of Controls” -we bobbed around in a Grob G115 wile my instructor (now a Cathay Pacific A330 Captain..) explained the Primary & Secondary effects of applying Aileron etc.. “the nose drifts to the right…” et al.
-Fast forward to yesterday, 10,000’ above the Arizona Mesa and the ink on my ATPL well and truly dry while Zog (see ‘Patient’ above..) talked me though effects of controls -in a FULLY DEVELOPED SPIN!!

This isn’t Aerobatics training per se; though they’ll teach you anything your keen to learn, but Upset Recovery. -What happens low & slow; when i mess up Base to Final and Tower sound nervous with a Falcon on a 3 mile final; under that stress.. that’s what this is primarily about. How to intellectually understand the Aerodynamics, recognize the warming signs, and if you’re determined to enter an incipient spin; how to be cool, calm and apply the recovery techniques. You’ll practice so many mishap scenarios, simulated wake vortex encounters that they will no longer be the deathtrap we fear, but non normal events to be managed with skill and a cool head.

I believe APS is the best at what they do. The Facility is top notch, Staff & Instructors beyond compare, and the Extra is an Aircraft you just cant hurt. Seriously, it’ll take 10G and not skip a beat. (the GoPro capturing your flight quits long before..)

An Annual trip to Phoenix is a Mandatory Personal Minimum for me, and my recommendation to any pilot, from Student to High Time ATPL.

One caveat; on my visit most folks were affected by motion sickness to some extent. It colored my experience a little; in future, and i suggest to others, a chat to your Doctor for some meds, and taking the meds some days in advance to see how you fare in normal life. The Dramamine Patch was recommended to me and is popular amongst US Military attendees.

PM me for more; i have no affiliation whatsoever to APS, this for the benefit of fellow aviators only.. (and feel free to check my previous posts)