747-400

FLEET 16-09

BULLETIN September 29, 2016

1 of 12

Subject: All-Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy (AAURS)

Background
Over the past ten years, Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I) has replaced
Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) as the number one cause of
fatalities related to aircraft accidents. From 2004 to 2013 there were
1,576 fatalities worldwide attributed to LOC-I on commercial jet
aircraft. This was almost double the number two cause of fatalities,
CFIT, which resulted in 804 fatalities worldwide.
In response to these fatal accidents, a large working group was formed
that consisted of the FAA, NTSB, ALPA, airlines, IATA, and several
other industry professionals to determine why LOC-I is the leading
cause of fatalities in aviation. The group examined current training and
procedures to see if this was a contributing cause. As a result of the
findings, the FAA issued two advisory circulars: AC 120-111 Upset
Prevention and Recovery Training, and AC-109A Stall Prevention and
Recovery Training. These Advisory Circulars provide background
information and details on how airlines should train instructors and
pilots on these procedures.
All airlines are required to establish a training program for their
instructors and pilots that address the issues in these Advisory Circulars
by 2019.
The purpose of this FB is to provide information that Delta pilots will see
in upcoming QCQ and CQ training, and to ensure Delta's program aligns
with the industry direction and the ACs mentioned above. Future FCTM
revisions will incorporate the appropriate elements of this information.

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All-Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy (AAURS)

Delta's goal in upset prevention is that pilots constantly anticipate and
mitigate situations that can lead to an upset. While this will help to
reduce the number of upset encounters, it cannot completely eliminate
them. This All Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy is designed to be an
easily recallable tool when crews are faced with time-critical, life
threatening aircraft upsets. This strategy also helps overcome the startle
factor of an upset and can be used to recover from aircraft upsets or
stalled conditions. Before implementing this strategy, first ensure the
upset has been recognized and confirmed.
RECOGNIZE and CONFIRM if the aircraft is in an undesirable state
and outside of normal parameters. Prompt recognition by the PF, and
active monitoring by the PM, will help recognize conditions leading
toward an upset. The undesirable flight path is confirmed by cross
checking primary and secondary flight instruments, and if available, use
outside references.
VERBALIZE “Upset, Recover” announced by either pilot. During the
recovery each step of the recovery strategy will be verbalized by the PF.
This enhances crew awareness and ensures each step is accomplished.
RECOVER using the AAURS. The PF will take prompt action to
execute the strategy to recover the aircraft to stabilized flight without
exceeding aircraft limitations. The PM will verify all required actions
have been accomplished and communicate any omissions. The PM will
also monitor altitude and airspeed, and call out any trend toward terrain.
If an upset situation is recognized and confirmed, immediately
disconnect the autopilot and autothrottle systems and accomplish the
All-Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy:
PUSH
ROLL
POWER
STABILIZE

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PUSH - The push step is the first and most important action of the
strategy which reminds the PF to manage aircraft angle of attack during
the upset or stall. The PF will reduce the angle of attack by applying nose
down elevator with neutral ailerons. In some cases simply relaxing the
back pressure is appropriate; however in some situations and trimmed
conditions a more aggressive forward movement is required. In either
case, unload the aircraft to feel a slight lightness in the seat, which
approximates +0.5 G. Avoid pushing excessively to prevent negative Gs.
Reducing angle of attack allows for a stalled wing to regain lift and
prevents asymmetric G loading.
ROLL - Only after unloading to +0.5G, roll to manage the lift vector
using ailerons while maintaining +0.5 G. Maintaining +0.5 G during the
roll will allow maximum roll rate while reorienting the lift vector to the
nearest horizon. Use smooth deliberate aileron input proportional to the
upset condition. In some instances, full aileron deflection may be
necessary. Avoid the tendency to roll and pull. This reduces the roll rate,
can overstress the aircraft, and possibly lead to an accelerated stall. The
use of rudder is normally not needed. The yaw damper provides
sufficient rudder stability. If aileron control is ineffective, careful use of
rudder to aid roll control and suppress yaw should be considered. Rudder
that is applied quickly or held too long may result in loss of lateral and
directional control, and cause structural damage. In an extreme nose up
or down condition, the horizon will always be visible at the top or bottom
of the PFD to aid in determining the nearest horizon.
WARNING: Rudder reversals (rapid full rudder deflection from
side to side) should be avoided and can quickly lead
to overstressing the aircraft.
POWER - Assess aircraft’s energy state. Add or reduce power as
required. Power is primarily used to manage energy in the form of speed
and altitude, and secondarily influences pitch. Adding power during
nose-high conditions with underwing mounted engines will cause a pitch
up moment, possibly aggravating the upset. Speedbrakes may also be
required in a nose-low, rapidly increasing airspeed situation.

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STABILIZE - The stabilize step is an action that continues to maintain

aircraft control by setting an appropriate pitch and power setting until
stable flight is obtained. Once obtained, the PF should assess aircraft
configuration, and adjust the speedbrakes, trim, and configuration as
necessary. Altitude loss should not be the primary consideration during
any upset or stall recovery. To avoid overstressing the aircraft stay within
transport category G limits. Avoid excessive loads while establishing a
proper pitch setting. During nose-high recoveries, it may be necessary to
lower the nose below the horizon in order to obtain a safe airspeed. Both
pilots should ensure the recovery is complete and the aircraft stabilized
before addressing why the upset occurred.
Upset Parameters
An upset can generally be defined as unintentionally exceeding the
following conditions:
• Pitch attitude greater than 25° nose up, or
• Pitch attitude greater than 10° nose down, or
• Bank angle greater than 45°, or
• Within above parameters but flying at airspeeds inappropriate for
the conditions.

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Flight Upset Recovery
Pilot Flying Pilot Monitoring
Recognize and confirm

Announce “UPSET, RECOVER”

Disconnect autopilot and autothrottle. Monitor altitude and airspeed.

Note: Do not use flight director commands Verify all required actions
during the recovery. have been accomplished and
call out any omissions.
Accomplish and verbalize the All-Attitude Upset
Recovery Strategy.
“Push” - Reduce angle of attack by applying nose
down elevator with neutral ailerons.
If stalled, continue to apply nose down elevator
control inputs until stall recovery is complete and
stick shaker activation ceases.
“Roll” - Only after unloading, roll to manage the
lift vector using ailerons while maintaining +0.5 G.
“Power” - Assess energy state. Add or reduce
power as required.
If ground contact is imminent, apply full thrust by
advancing throttles to the mechanical stops.
Note: Up to maximum thrust may be required.
Note: Speedbrakes may be required in
nose-low, rapidly increasing airspeed
condition to control excessive speed.
Note: For underwing mounted engines,
adding power may cause a pitch up
moment.
“Stabilize” - Adjust pitch and power to achieve Call out any trend (i.e.,
stable flight. After stabilized, adjust speedbrakes, airspeed, altitude, and any
trim, and configuration as appropriate. trend toward terrain contact).

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Post All-Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy (AAURS)

Considerations
• Consider declaration of emergency
• Landing lights on
• Coordinate new clearance with ATC
• Assess condition of cabin crew and passengers
• Consider structural integrity of aircraft
• Consider diversion and coordinate with dispatch
• Make PA
• Complete Normal and Non-Normal Checklists as appropriate
• For guidance on aircraft accidents/incidents, refer to FOM,
chapter 10.3, Accidents, Incidents, or Irregularities.

Conclusion
Avoidance of situations that may lead to an aircraft upset, is priority.
However, in the event an upset or stalled flight condition is encountered,
execute the All-Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy (AAURS).

Approved By:
Pat Dever Steve Hanlon Michael Mannino
747-400 Fleet Captain 747-400 CLCP 747-400 Technical Manager

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Upset Recovery Addendum

Note: The information below will be incorporated in the next FCTM
revision.
The All Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy is a detailed and organized plan
of action designed to assist pilots in the recognition and recovery from loss of
control in flight. It is critical that each step is correctly applied and
executed before moving on to the next step in the strategy. The PUSH,
ROLL and POWER step should all be executed while the aircraft is in an
UNLOADED STATE (a slight light in the seat feeling). The figure below
is a pictorial representation of the PUSH, ROLL and POWER step being
in an unloaded state.

Upset Recovery
Nose-High (AAURS) Additional Considerations
A nose-high upset may be a situation where the aircraft pitch attitude
unintentionally exceeds and/or increases more than 25° nose-high,
associated with rapidly decreasing airspeed. As airspeed decreases, the
pilot's ability to maneuver the aircraft also decreases. If the aircraft is
trimmed nose up, as for slow-speed flight, it partially reduces the
nose-down authority of the elevator. For aircraft with underwing
mounted engines, a large thrust increase can cause an additional pitch up
moment which could further complicate the recovery. At full thrust
settings and very low airspeeds, the elevator, working in opposition to
the stabilizer, has limited control to reduce the pitch attitude. In this
situation the pilot should trade altitude for airspeed, and maneuver the
aircraft's flight path back toward the horizon. This is accomplished by
applying up to full nose-down elevator and the use of some nose-down
stabilizer trim.

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These actions should provide sufficient elevator control to produce a

nose-down pitch rate. It may be difficult to know how much stabilizer
trim to use, and care must be taken to avoid using too much trim. Pilots
should not fly the aircraft using stabilizer trim, and should stop trimming
nose down when they feel the G force on the aircraft lessen or the
required elevator force lessen. This use of stabilizer trim may correct an
out-of-trim aircraft and solve a less critical problem before the pilot must
apply further recovery measures.
Note: In some cases, it may be necessary to reduce power to ensure
that the elevator authority is sufficient to reduce the angle of
attack.
If elevator control inputs are ineffective, adjust the bank angle to achieve
the desired rate of pitch reduction while considering energy
management. Bank angle adjustments, not to exceed 60°, may achieve a
nose-down pitch rate. With airspeed as low as stick shaker onset, normal
roll control, up to full deflection of ailerons and spoilers, may be used.
The rolling maneuver reduces the vertical component of lift, allowing
the nose to pitch down. If normal pitch control and aileron roll control
are ineffective, careful rudder input in the direction of the desired roll
may be required to induce a rolling maneuver for recovery. Pilots should
exercise caution if applying rudder. The reduced pitch attitude allows
airspeed to increase, thereby improving elevator and aileron control
effectiveness. After the pitch attitude and airspeed return to a desired
range, the pilot can reduce angle of bank with normal lateral flight
controls and return the aircraft to normal flight.
WARNING: Rudder reversals (rapid full rudder deflection
from side-to-side) should be avoided and can
quickly lead to overstressing the aircraft.
Nose-Low (AAURS) Additional Considerations
A nose-low upset condition may be a situation where the aircraft pitch
attitude is unintentionally more than 10° nose low and airspeed is
increasing rapidly. The nose-low upset requires prompt action by the
pilot since altitude is rapidly being exchanged for airspeed. Even if the
aircraft is at a high enough altitude that ground impact is not an
immediate concern, airspeed can rapidly increase beyond aircraft design
limits.

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For all attitudes, including inverted flight, the first step of pushing
forward to attain .5G is critical. Pilots must overcome the first reaction
to pull when the angle of bank exceeds 90°. Full aileron and spoiler input
should be used if necessary to smoothly establish a recovery roll rate
toward the nearest horizon. If the use of full lateral control (ailerons and
spoilers) is not satisfactory, it may be necessary to apply rudder in the
direction of the desired roll. Rudder that is applied too quickly or held
too long may result in loss of lateral and directional control, and cause
structural damage.
WARNING: Rudder reversals (rapid full rudder deflection from
side-to-side) should be avoided and can quickly
lead to overstressing the aircraft.
It is important not to increase G load or use nose-up elevator or stabilizer
until approaching wings level.
Application of roll followed by a reduction of thrust, to include deploying
speedbrakes, may be necessary. Speedbrake extension causes a nose-up
pitching moment, an increase in drag, and a decrease in lift for the same
angle of attack. At airspeeds well above VMO/MMO the ability to
command a nose-up pitch rate with elevator may be reduced because of
the extreme aerodynamic loads on the elevator. Maneuver the aircraft's
flight path back toward the horizon. At extremely low pitch attitudes and
high airspeeds (well above VMO/MMO), nose-up elevator and nose-up
trim may be required to establish a nose-up pitch rate.
High Bank Angle Considerations
A high bank angle is one beyond that necessary for normal flight. The
bank angle for an upset has been defined as unintentionally more than
45°, however, it is possible to experience bank angles greater than 90°.
Any time the aircraft is not in “zero-angle-of-bank” flight, lift created by
the wings is not being fully applied against gravity, and more than 1 G is
required for level flight. At bank angles greater than 66°, level flight
cannot be maintained within AFM load factor limits.

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During nose-high upsets, the pilot must apply nose-down elevator to

unload the aircraft and possibly adjust the bank angle to achieve the
desired nose-down pitch movement while considering energy
management. Once the pitch attitude has been reduced sufficiently to
ensure airspeed is regained, reduce the bank angle, and return the aircraft
to normal flight.
During nose-low upsets, a high angle of bank requires prompt action by
the pilot as altitude is rapidly being exchanged for airspeed. Even if the
aircraft is at a high enough altitude that ground impact is not an
immediate concern, airspeed can rapidly increase beyond aircraft design
limits. It may be necessary to apply nose-down elevator to limit the
amount of lift, which will be acting toward the ground if the bank angle
exceeds 90°. This also reduces wing angle of attack to improve roll
capability. Full aileron and spoiler input should be used if necessary to
smoothly establish a recovery roll rate toward the nearest horizon. It is
important to not increase G load or use nose-up elevator or stabilizer
until approaching wings level.
Stall or Approach to Stall Characteristics
An approach to a stall is a controlled flight maneuver. A stall is an
out-of-control, but recoverable, condition. However, the recovery
maneuver is the same for either an approach to stall or a fully developed
stall.
Most approach to stall incidents have occurred where there was altitude
available for recovery. The incidents that progressed into accidents often
occurred because the crew failed to make a positive recovery when the
stall warning occurred, the condition progressed to a full stall, and the
aircraft impacted the ground in a stalled condition. For this reason,
emphasis has shifted from a recovery with minimum loss of altitude to
reducing the angle of attack below the wing's critical angle of attack to
complete a positive and efficient recovery.
During initial stages of stall, local airflow separation results in buffeting
(initial buffet), giving natural warning of an approach to stall. A stall
warning is considered to be any warning readily identifiable by the pilot,
either by artificial stall warning (stick shaker, auto slat extended) or
initial buffet.

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Recovery from an approach to stall is initiated at the earliest
recognizable stall warning, initial buffet, or stick shaker. Aircraft
specifications require a warning for an impending stall.
An aircraft may be stalled in any attitude (nose-high, nose-low, high or
low angle of bank) or any airspeed (turning, as in an accelerated stall). It
is not always intuitively obvious that the aircraft is stalled. Entry into the
deep stall may not be readily apparent to the pilot since an increase in
angle of attack may be accompanied by increasing sink rate and flight
path angle so that pitch attitudes remain low.
An aircraft stall is characterized by one or more of the following
conditions:
• Stall warning
• Buffeting, which could be heavy
• Lack of pitch authority
• Lack of roll control
• Inability to arrest descent rate.
Stall or Approach to Stall, Additional Considerations using
the AAURS
To initiate the recovery, reduce the angle of attack by applying up to full
nose-down elevator. The use of nose-down stabilizer trim may be
required to reduce the critical angle of attack. These actions should
provide sufficient elevator control to produce a nose-down pitch rate. It
may be difficult to know how much stabilizer trim to use, and care must
be taken to avoid using too much trim. Pilots should not fly the aircraft
using stabilizer trim, and should stop trimming nose down when they
feel the G force on the aircraft lessen or the required elevator force
lessen. This use of stabilizer trim may correct an out-of-trim aircraft and
solve a less-critical problem before the pilot must apply further recovery
measures. The use of too much trim may result in the loss of control or
high structural loads.

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Ailerons and roll spoilers are ineffective in a stalled condition. Any

attempt to level the wings while stall indications are still active could
aggravate the condition. The reduction of angle of attack (unload) must
be held until all indications of the stall are eliminated. After the stall is
broken, normal roll controls, up to full deflection of ailerons and
spoilers, may be used to roll in the shortest direction to wings level.
Rudder should not be used since the yaw damper provides sufficient
rudder stability.
Aircraft configuration changes should be considered only after stall
/upset, indications/conditions no longer exist. Aircraft manufacturer
recommendations and limitations should be observed before making any
configuration changes. Changing the aircraft's configuration during the
recovery may cause the following:
• Result in an increased altitude loss
• Exceed the aircraft's limitations
• Cause structural damage.
Note: If conditions permit, accept an altitude loss while accelerating
to an appropriate speed for existing configuration.
Note: Premature recovery may result in a secondary stall or inability
to accelerate with available thrust.
Note: Use care during recovery from a nose-low attitude after the
stall indications have stopped. If the pull up is too aggressive,
a secondary or accelerated stall would require an additional
application of the All-Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy
(AAURS).
High Altitude Recovery
At higher altitudes, normally above 20,000 feet, the aircraft becomes
increasingly thrust limited. If an approach to stall indication is
experienced, nose-down elevator is required to reduce AOA and initiate
a descent. Stabilizer trim may also be required
Since engine performance at high altitude is reduced, altitude needs to
be traded for airspeed. Therefore, a recovery at high altitude results in a
greater altitude loss than a recovery at low altitudes. Accelerate to cruise
or climb Mach before attempting to stop altitude loss.

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