A new era of pilot safety and excellence is taking off in Portugal. Through an unprecedented partnership, OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC) and Unlimited Aerobatics (UA) are setting a new standard in aviation training with the launch of an Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT) program — the first of its kind in the country.
This initiative goes far beyond compliance with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. It’s about building confidence, sharpening skills, and ensuring that tomorrow’s airline pilots are prepared for anything that might happen in the skies.
A New Chapter in Aviation Safety
If you’re a pilot — or dreaming of becoming one — you already know that Loss of Control in Flight (LOC-I) is among the most serious threats in aviation. It’s responsible for a significant share of accidents and fatalities worldwide. The A-UPRT program developed by OATC and Unlimited Aerobatics directly addresses this issue through intensive, hands-on training.
Unlike traditional UPRT courses, which often focus on theory and basic recovery techniques, this new Advanced UPRT brings real-world, high-performance flight experience into the training room — and the cockpit.
The primary goal is simple yet critical: to give pilots the skills and reflexes to prevent upsets before they occur and to recover safely if they do.
Why This Partnership Matters
OATC, part of Portugal’s respected OMNI Group, has a long-standing reputation for quality training and a direct connection to commercial aviation through its own airline. Meanwhile, Unlimited Aerobatics, founded by world champion pilot Cástor Fantoba, is known internationally for its elite aerobatic and UPRT instruction.
Together, these two institutions are combining their strengths: OATC’s structured professional training with UA’s cutting-edge aerobatic expertise. The result is a transformative learning experience for aspiring and current pilots alike.
As Dylan van Haasen, Head of Training at OATC, explained:
“We’re not here just to be regulatory compliant. Our goal is to give students the best preparation possible — to build confidence, resilience, and safety in the cockpit.”
The Aircraft That Makes the Difference
The beating heart of this program is the Extra 300, a fully aerobatic aircraft renowned for its reliability, precision, and capability.
While most training aircraft like the Cessna 152 handle up to +4.4/-1.76G, the Extra 300 can manage an impressive +8/-8G. That means students can experience and safely recover from realistic, high-intensity flight conditions that ordinary trainers simply can’t replicate.
This isn’t about simulated upsets on a screen — it’s about feeling the G-forces, the unexpected roll, the disorientation — and learning how to remain calm and in control.
You’ll walk away not only with new skills but with true confidence — something every pilot needs when faced with the unexpected.
Expert Instruction from the Best in the Sky
Training with Unlimited Aerobatics means learning directly from active airline and competition aerobatic pilots — professionals who live and breathe flight every day.
These instructors bring a unique combination of theory and real-world experience. Many have faced and managed flight upsets in both competition and commercial environments. They know what it feels like when theory meets reality — and how to respond safely.
Jorge Loureiro, coordinator of UA Training in Portugal, summed it up perfectly:
“UA Training seeks excellence, and it is an honour to work together with one of Portugal’s most important aviation groups.”
Each session is adapted to the skill level and needs of the trainee, from beginners to seasoned pilots. It’s a bespoke experience, designed to help each student grow at their own pace while maintaining the highest safety standards.
What Makes This A-UPRT Course Unique
Here’s what sets the OATC–Unlimited Aerobatics partnership apart:
- Superior Aircraft: The Extra 300 delivers authentic, high-G upset scenarios that push your skills further.
- Specialised Instructors: Learn from active airline and aerobatic pilots who combine safety, precision, and competition experience.
- Realistic Training: Engage in dynamic stalls, spins, and upset recovery that mirror high-performance operations.
- Greater Confidence: Gain the mental and physical resilience to manage real-world challenges.
By mastering these demanding conditions, pilots develop the instincts, precision, and calm needed to recover any aircraft — even in extreme situations.
OATC: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1998, OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC) has evolved into Portugal’s leading aviation academy. As part of the OMNI Group, it benefits from stable ownership, solid infrastructure, and a clear path for career progression.
OATC’s students enjoy a direct route to professional flying, often transitioning seamlessly into the OMNI Group’s airlines. This unique advantage allows cadets to apply their training in real operational contexts, building experience and confidence early in their careers.
The academy’s recent fleet renewal program, featuring two brand-new Elixir aircraft and a Diamond DA42, highlights its commitment to modernization. By 2026, OATC will operate an entirely new, high-performance fleet, ensuring training remains aligned with the latest industry standards.
For future pilots, this means learning on the most advanced aircraft available and training with technology that mirrors the cockpit environments they will soon call home.
Unlimited Aerobatics: Precision and Passion in Flight
Founded in 2011 by Cástor Fantoba, European Champion and World Vice-Champion, Unlimited Aerobatics has become one of Europe’s leading centers for aerobatic and UPRT instruction.
Fantoba and his team combine competition-grade precision with professional airline experience, offering a holistic understanding of both performance flying and operational safety.
UA’s fleet of aerobatic aircraft — including the Super Decathlon, Extra 300LP, and Extra 330SC — provides the perfect tools for mastering upset recovery, advanced maneuvering, and flight control.
The school operates in controlled airspace across Spain and Portugal, where ideal weather conditions allow for year-round training. Every instructor is both a competition pilot and a commercial aviation professional, ensuring each lesson blends technical skill and practical insight.
As Fantoba himself emphasizes:
“Our graduate pilots are different. We make every effort to bring out the best in each student — setting them up for success with valuable skills and a mindset that lasts throughout their aviation career.”
Setting a New Benchmark for Pilot Training
By merging the rigour of OATC’s airline-oriented training with the technical mastery of Unlimited Aerobatics, this partnership does more than enhance pilot performance — it reshapes the standard for flight safety education in Portugal.
Every aspect of the program — from theory to hands-on aerobatic experience — is carefully designed to build resilience, situational awareness, and precise control.
Whether you are training for an airline, corporate jet, or even aerial firefighting, this A-UPRT course will give you a competitive advantage and the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
It’s a specialized Upset Prevention and Recovery Training program that combines theory and real aerobatic experience to improve pilot safety and confidence.
Because it helps pilots recognize and recover from unusual attitudes, preventing Loss of Control in Flight (LOC-I), one of aviation’s leading accident causes.
They use high-performance aircraft like the Extra 300 and instructors who are both airline and aerobatic pilots, providing realistic, high-G, real-world experience.
Conclusion: The Future of Safe Flight Starts Here
This partnership marks a defining moment for aviation training in Portugal. By combining innovation, technology, and elite expertise, OATC and Unlimited Aerobatics are empowering a new generation of pilots to fly safer, smarter, and stronger.
If you’re passionate about aviation, this is your opportunity to experience training that truly makes a difference.
Would you take on the challenge of Advanced UPRT?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below — we’d love to hear your perspective.
