We asked keynote speaker, and world UPRT authority, Dr Sunjoo Advani for his comments on the subject at this weeks Global UPRT Summit in Seattle hosted by Boeing and Alaska Airlines. His statement follows:

‘Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) continues to generate much interest, with 200 delegates from around the world attending this Global Summit a testimony to this fact.

"While much of the world has incorporated UPRT into airline pilot training, the implementation has not always been easy or smooth. The reality is that regulations can offer only the general framework, and the required practical knowledge is often not available within an organisation.

"Some nations are also still creating their regulations, applying the many lessons learned and hurdles which others have already faced. Also, some airlines are also simply waiting for UPRT to be mandated, while some have “done” UPRT in a minimal way but in accordance with their National Aviation Authority. Neither of these situations is ideal. Here’s why:

"My plea to airlines and authorities is to not delay the implementation of UPRT"

"UPRT is a fundamental change in pilot training. it offers an opportunity for pilots to connect with their airplane through a “back-to-basics” approach, focusing on developing better manual skills to increase safety. This requires, first and foremost, good instructional techniques. Most importantly, we want pilots to react appropriately in extremely infrequent, variable yet time-critical, life-threatening situations. This takes more than “meeting compliance” which, in itself, is no guarantee of safety.

"My plea to airlines and authorities is to not delay the implementation of UPRT, and to continue to improve its quality. Waiting for simulator upgrades to get started with UPRT is simply unwise. Remember: A marginal instructor with an upgraded simulator will result in marginal training, while a well-trained instructor can result in high-quality training, even in a non-upgraded simulator.

"Focus on the quality of training, and not only on the quality of the instruction tools. Instructors are the best investment that a training department can make."