The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published a final opinion proposing amendments to the training requirements for initial private and commercial pilot licensing to prevent loss of control in flight (LOC-I). These “upset prevention and recovery training” (UPRT) mandates aim to make pilots more skilled in coping with aircraft upsets.

The main focus of the new training standards is on pilots who intend to pursue commercial pilot careers. Under this opinion, the “advanced” UPRT course would be mandated as an addendum to ATP and MPL training courses and serve as a prerequisite before starting a type-rating course in multi-pilot operations.

In support of the new standards, the proposals place greater emphasis on training instructors involved in UPRT flight and simulator training. For training toward private pilot licenses, the existing training syllabi will be “slightly revised to introduce UPRT elements.” These final proposed requirements, based on a notice of proposed amendment issued on Sept. 1, 2015, are expected to be adopted in April next year, followed by a one-year transition period.