A Look At Apache Aviation's Upset Recovery Training

Thierry Dubois November 21, 2018
Credit: Emmanuel Foudrot

Apache Aviation has modified three TB-30 Epsilons for civil upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT). Another three are undergoing modification.

Credit: Emmanuel Foudrot

Project manager Patrick Marchand, also a pilot in the Breitling Jet Team, targets capacity to train 400 pilots per year.

 
Credit: Emmanuel Foudrot

Part of the TB-30’s upgrade is installation of more modern flight and navigation displays.

 
Credit: Emmanuel Foudrot

Airframer Daher, which has inherited from Socata responsibility in the aftermarket for the TB-30 Epsilon, has supported Apache Aviation in devising the conversion.

Credit: Emmanuel Foudrot

The European Aviation Safety Agency's imminent adoption of a UPRT regulation is part of a nascent cultural change reasserting the values of manual flying skills.

Credit: Emmanuel Foudrot

Under the hood, the trainee will have to recover from an unusual attitude by only using instruments.

 
Credit: Emmanuel Foudrot

Apache Aviation is known for operating the Breitling Jet Team’s L-39 Albatros.

 

Seeing a market for upset recovery training with the approach of a new European Aviation Safety Agency rule, Apache Aviation of Dijon, France, is creating a new business using six Daher (nee Socata) TB-30 Epsilon piston single-engine aircraft it purchased from the French Air Force. It has invested heavily in overhauling and upgrading them—each is now worth 3.5 times the price Apache paid, according to project manager Patrick Marchand. The company is betting on a tailored UPRT program that makes the most of the Epsilon's features.

Read more: Industry Readies for EASA Upset Recovery Training Mandate

Thierry Dubois

Thierry Dubois has specialized in aerospace journalism since 1997. An engineer in fluid dynamics from Toulouse-based Enseeiht, he covers the French commercial aviation, defense and space industries. His expertise extends to all things technology in Europe. Thierry is also the editor-in-chief of Aviation Week’s ShowNews. 

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