Preventing Loss of Control with Training, Technology

Friday, June 01, 2018 at 12:34 AM ET

Verified

In slow flight, the pilot is flying “on the back side of the power curve,” because as angle of attack increases near the stall, it takes increasingly more power to maintain altitude. Also, even a slight increase in pitch attitude can cause a rapid decay in airspeed. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook

Key Takeaways:

Loss of aircraft control (LOC) is identified as the leading cause of fatal general aviation accidents, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Enhanced pilot training is crucial, including better instructor experience with slow flight and stalls, and widespread adoption of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) to help pilots recognize and recover from challenging flight conditions.
Technological advancements, such as electronic angle of attack indicators and electronic stability protection systems, provide additional layers of safety by assisting pilots in maintaining aircraft control and preventing upsets.

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Loss of aircraft control remains the No. 1 killer of general aviation pilots, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). At an industry roundtable hosted by the NTSB at its Washington, D.C., headquarters in April, the hot topic was how better training and technology can help pilots do a better job of flying their airplanes safely. (For a complete video archive and transcript of the discussion, visit the NTSB.)