Free webinar will feature expert guidance on advanced UPRT program standards to help reduce Loss of Control In-flight risk.
For immediate release
Washington D.C. July 21, 2026:
UPRTA International will introduce its new accreditation standard during an August 25, 2026 webinar, the second installment in a series focused on reducing Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) risk.
Why:
UPRT programs were first mandated for airline pilots in the U.S. in March 2019. These programs utilize a full flight simulator certified for extended envelope training (EET). At the time, FAA AC 120-111 Upset Prevention and Recovery Training – along with other documents such as ICAO Doc. 10011 Manual on Aeroplane Upset Prevention and Recovery Training – provided guidance to operators establishing UPRT programs.
Today, the flight training landscape has changed. Airlines and other commercial operators have established both initial and recurrent training programs, while many other operators provide on-aircraft UPRT training in all-attitude capable training aircraft.
UPRTA International recognizes the need for an accreditation standard that exceeds regulatory minimums, since training organizations and providers may vary in safety and quality standards.
“UPRTA International’s Accreditation Standard” introduces a new program offered to its members that provide an assurance that this life-saving training is performed to the highest standards. UPRTA’s mission is to eliminate loss-of-control in-flight events in all segments of aviation. This program provides “next level” guidance for UPRT training providers and organizations. We hope you will join us for this compelling session.
Webinar Information:
August 25, 2026: UPRTA International’s Accreditation Standard
UPRTA International will soon launch its new accreditation standard for training providers and operators, offering a framework for world-class UPRT programs. Leadership will explain the impact on pilots, training providers, and operators.
Speakers Include:
Capt. David Carbaugh is the president of UPRTA, International. He is one of the industry’s most respected leaders in upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) and operational safety. Following his military service, he spent nearly three decades at Boeing, flying every major commercial model and serving as Chief Pilot for Flight Operations Safety. He co-chaired the industry team that created the Boeing Upset Recovery Training Aid, authored foundational pilot training materials, and led the development of instructor programs and safety standards adopted worldwide.
With over 40 years of flight experience, David began his career as a U.S. Air Force pilot, serving as an instructor, check airman, and wing spin pilot before flying the F-15 and C-141 on global missions, including support for the first Gulf War.
Capt. Kipp Lau, UPRTA EVP and Industry Liaison, a pilot, safety expert, and aviation journalist has trained with several UPRT providers utilizing on-aircraft piston and jet aircraft and simulators. He provides an overview of the UPRT industry landscape.
Lau is a line pilot and check airman at a large airline flying widebody Airbus aircraft. With over 18,000 hours, Lau is type rated in several Boeing and regional airliners.
Maryanne DeMarco, UPRTA EVP for Regulatory Affairs and Administration at UPRTA International, has more than two decades of leadership experience across the global aviation industry. Her expertise includes aviation safety and security, regulatory affairs, workforce development, accreditation, nonprofit governance, and organizational strategy.
She has worked with international organizations, government agencies, regulators, Congress, and industry leaders to advance policy, initiatives, and programs. Ms. DeMarco also provides insight into the importance of credible, independent accreditation programs.
Chad Robbins, UPRTA General Aviation/Part 135 Team member. With over 30 years of aviation experience, Lt Col Chad “PB” Robbins, USAF (Retired) is a fighter pilot and instructor in the F-15E Strike Eagle who flew on combat missions across Iraq and Afghanistan. He also served as an advanced instructor in the T-38A/C and later transitioned into corporate aviation flying Pilatus 12 and 24, Cessna Citation, and Beechcraft King Air aircraft.
Today, Robbins is the founder and CEO of Strike Flyers, a UPRT provider in Colorado. In addition, he teaches part-time in the Aerospace Department at Metro State University Denver.
Shane Tobin, Vice President, General Aviation UPRT. Capt. Shane Tobin serves as Vice President of General Aviation UPRT at UPRTA, International, leading initiatives to strengthen upset prevention and recovery training standards across the general aviation sector. He is the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Director, and a Senior Instructor at UPRT Australia in Brisbane — the Asia-Pacific region’s leading UPRT provider. A current Type Rating Instructor, Check Pilot, and UPRT subject matter expert and fleet lead on the Boeing 787 for a major Australian airline, Shane previously served as a B767 Captain in both Australia and Japan. Capt. Tobin holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating, and has held key industry leadership roles, including Committee Chair of the Aircraft Design and Operations Committee for AusALPA, Vice Chair of the same committee for IFALPA, and IFALPA representative to several ICAO working groups focused on flight procedures and UPRT.
About the Global Webinar series:
On a quarterly basis, UPRTA International will host expert speakers, provide practical insights, and facilitate interactive discussions focused on strategies to prevent LOC-I incidents. These webinars offer operators, training providers, and pilots the opportunity to engage with industry specialists and explore innovative approaches to safety. Each quarter in 2026 will feature a compelling topic, with the fourth quarter dedicated to UPRTA International’s flagship event: the UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide. All webinars are free.
Next Up: November 17, 2026: UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide
The UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide is a one-day virtual event where aviation experts present best practices, strategies, and the association’s vision to eliminate LOC-I risks. This year’s agenda includes analysis of past LOC-I incidents, lessons learned, and updates from each UPRTA International team lead.
Registration Information:
All webinars are free. Registration information is on the UPRTA International website.
About UPRTA, International
UPRTA International is a nonprofit association dedicated to driving upset training excellence in aviation to save lives globally. Guided by its core values of safety, leadership, empowerment, and commitment, the association develops and promotes best practices, information, tools, and resources that strengthen upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) across all sectors of aviation. By uniting global operators, regulators, training organizations, and industry experts, UPRTA International advances standards that help pilots recognize, respond to, and mitigate Loss of Control In-flight—enhancing operational safety on every flight.
Media Contact:
Stuart “Kipp” Lau
Executive Vice Pesident – Industry Liaison
Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Association, International
Email: slau@uprta.org
Tel: (502) 649-3211
Website: www.UPRTA.org
