OATC partners with Unlimited Aerobatics to offer Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT) programme in Portugal.
All future OATC pilot courses will include this A-UPRT programme, while current students will be given the option to upgrade from their current UPRT programme.
Lisbon, Portugal – October 06, 2025 – OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Unlimited Aerobatics (UA) to offer A-UPRT courses. This partnership enables both companies to enhance their training capabilities and reach while promoting safe flying practices.
The primary goal of UPRT is prevention — understanding how and why upsets occur, allowing pilots to recognize and correct them before a dangerous situation develops. It is a mandatory training programme for all new commercial pilots in Europe and will be taken to the next level by OATC and UA through the implementation of its Advanced variant for the first time ever in Portugal.
Many airline accidents have been linked to Loss of Control in Flight (LOC-I), which is the leading cause of airline fatalities worldwide, often due to improper or delayed reactions to an Upset. This course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in unusual attitudes and stall recovery, expanding a pilot’s flight envelope by developing unique confidence in handling unexpected situations.
Reliable, accurate and easy to fly, the fully aerobatic Extra 300 is the best aircraft for practical exposure in a high-performance environment, offering unprecedented quality and real experience.
All future OATC pilot courses will include this A-UPRT programme, while current students will be given the option to upgrade from their current UPRT programme.
What makes this A-UPRT course unique?
Superior Aircraft – The Extra 300 offers upset recovery scenarios with high-G capability (+8/-8G), unlike basic trainers such as the Cessna 152 (+4.4/-1.76G).
Specialised Instructors – Learn from active airline and aerobatic pilots who handle upsets daily, bringing real experience from both competitive aerobatics and commercial airline operations – unique experience from the industry today.
Realistic Training – Experience dynamic stalls and full upset recovery scenarios, preparing future pilots for high-performance aircraft. Not just theoretical scenarios.
Greater Confidence – Stronger skills, better reactions, and real high-G exposure means that OATC pilots will be better prepared for any upset.
Jorge Loureiro, coordinator of UA Training in Portugal stated: “It’s a pleasure to have OMNI as a partner to train Portuguese pilots. UA Training seeks excellence, and it is an honour to work together with one of Portugal’s most important aviation groups.”
“OATC is setting a new standard in pilot training. By partnering with Unlimited Aerobatics, we are delivering the most advanced and effective A-UPRT program in Portugal. 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. Delivering this program together with Unlimited Aerobatics is a direct extension of that philosophy.” Commented Ricardo Cortez, Head of Training of OMNI Aviation Training Center.
“We are delighted to be working alongside OMNI, we will together work to provide the best training for pilots in Portugal to give them a competitive advantage in the global aviation workplace. Our graduate pilots are different, together with the OMNI team we make every effort to bring out the best in each student, setting them up for success with valuable skills and a mindset that they will be able to apply throughout their aviation career, be it in airlines, corporate or fire-fighting. We thank OMNI for their trust in UA Training.” Commented Cástor Fantoba.
About OMNI Aviation Training Center
Established in 1998, Omni Aviation Training Center (OATC) has grown into Portugal’s leading aviation academy. OATC benefits from stable, long-term ownership as part of the OMNI Group, one of Portugal’s most respected privately owned aviation organizations. This foundation ensures consistency, reliability, and a continued investment in quality training.
As the only flight school in Portugal with its own airline, OATC provides students with a unique career path. Many pilots begin their professional journey within the OMNI Group, gaining real-life experience and a smooth transition from training to commercial operations. This integrated approach sets graduates up for success from day one.
In 2025, OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC) proudly launched its fleet renewal program with the acquisition of two brand-new Elixir aircraft and a Diamond DA42. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the academy’s growth and modernization journey.
The renewal program is ongoing, with further aircraft planned throughout the year to expand and modernize the fleet. By 2026, OATC will complete this transformation, operating an entirely new and state-of-the-art fleet.
These investments not only elevate the training experience for cadets but also ensure that the academy remains at the forefront of industry standards and technological innovation.
About Unlimited Aerobatics
Founded in 2011 by world renowned aerobatic and airline pilot Cástor Fantoba, Unlimited Aerobatics was created to promote sport aviation and specifically aerobatics.
UA Training is recognised as one of the best centres for aerobatic training and UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training). Cástor Fantoba, Director of UA Training, is an internationally renowned aerobatic pilot, European Champion, World Vice-Champion and current and record setting 25-time Spanish National Champion. His extensive experience in competition and training provides unique added-value to the training, with top-level practical and technical knowledge.
Jorge Loureiro, HT at Unlimited Aerobatics Portugal took home the Bronze in Unlimited and the Silver medal in Freestyle at the Spanish Open proving that he is the “pilot to watch” at the upcoming 2026 World Championships where he will represent Portugal for the first time in the World’s most top competition: the Unlimited Category.
All UA TRNG instructors are competition pilots and commercial aviation professionals, a perfect combination for training future airline pilots. Training is tailored to each level of student, from beginners to advanced or commercial pilots. The approach is rigorous yet accessible, focused on maximizing safety, technique, and understanding of flying in extreme conditions.
Although the school is known worldwide for preparing aerobatic pilots for international competition, it offers specialist UPRT training, a skill increasingly in demand by airlines and regulated by EASA. Cástor Fantoba combines his acrobatic experience with technical knowledge to teach recovery from abnormal attitudes effectively and safely.
The school has aircraft specifically prepared for UPRT aerobatics and training, such as the American Aircraft Super Decathlon, Extra 300LP, and Extra 330SC, ensuring a safe, real-life, and educational experience. The school always operates in controlled air environments, ideal for safe acrobatic practices and UPRT manoeuvres, in Spain and Portugal, with excellent weather conditions for most of the year.
The combination of elite instructors, including Cástor Fantoba, providing training in four languages, with tailored and specialized training, the best aircraft, and a professional environment make UA Training best-in-class for those seeking to master aerobatics and UPRT safely and with excellence.
