Preventing Loss of Control with Training, Technology

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

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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 the leading cause of fatalities in general aviation, making its prevention a top priority for aviation safety.
Enhanced pilot training, particularly in upset prevention and recovery (UPRT), including deep stalls and slow flight, is crucial, with calls for more experienced instructors and updated FAA certification standards.
Technological advancements, such as electronic Angle of Attack (AoA) indicators and Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) systems, also play a vital role in helping pilots maintain control and prevent accidents.
Insurance carriers offer discounts for pilots who complete upset recovery training, highlighting the recognized value of such programs in preventing preventable LOC accidents.

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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.)