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Preventing a Loss of Control Accident

Learning upset-recovery techniques are as critical as learning how to avoid an upset in the first place. Clare Nicholas
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) remains the leading cause of fatal general aviation (GA) accidents, a stark contrast to commercial aviation where it has been nearly eliminated due to robust training and regulations.
  • LOC-I is an outcome, not a root cause, typically stemming from poor risk management, environmental factors, or pilot error, with many GA pilots lacking training for flying outside the normal flight envelope.
  • Commercial aviation's success in reducing LOC-I is largely attributed to mandated recurrent training, including Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), which teaches recovery from unusual attitudes.
  • To improve GA safety, pilots must proactively seek advanced training like UPRT and continuously strive to exceed minimum flight standards, taking personal responsibility for recognizing and recovering from potential upsets.
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The great American radio and television comedian George Burns emerged in America during the vaudeville era and became known as a king of the one-liners delivered in his uniquely subtle deadpan style—and always with an El Producto cigar between the fingers of his left hand. Before his death in 1996 at the age of 100, Burns was asked for the secret of his long life. His response was simple and to the point: “Keep breathing.”

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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