Aviation Performance Solutions Appoints Tom Waitkus as Vice President of UPRT Solutions in 2026

Arizona, USA – Aviation Performance Solutions (APS), a specialist provider of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), has promoted Tom Waitkus to Vice President of UPRT Solutions. The appointment follows his previous leadership roles within the Mesa-based organisation as it continues developing aircraft-specific UPRT programs for professional pilots.

• Waitkus brings more than 7,000 flight hours and over 20 years of aviation and business experience, including operations as a Boeing 737 Captain, corporate and charter pilot, air ambulance pilot, cargo pilot and flight instructor.
• He previously served as Senior UPRT Advisor at APS before being promoted to Director of UPRT Solutions and Sales in 2023. His experience also includes business development, marketing and corporate client relationship management.
• His aviation safety background includes managing safety operations at a Part 141 flight school and implementing safety management initiatives for FAA Part 121 and Part 135 operators. He has worked with Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP), Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Programs (VDRP) and Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) initiatives.
• AFM previously reported that APS outlined a 2026 growth strategy focused on expanding its sales and pilot teams, increasing technology integration and developing its UPRT offerings. The company subsequently introduced aircraft-family-specific training programs for Gulfstream, Dassault and Pilatus pilots.

Learn more about APS or connect with Tom Waitkus via his LinkedIn profile here.

About Aviation Performance Solutions
Aviation Performance Solutions is a US-based Upset Prevention and Recovery Training provider headquartered at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, delivering aircraft-based, simulator and virtual-reality training for airline, business aviation, military and other professional pilots. Established in 2005, the company operates a fleet of nine training aircraft, comprising six Extra 300L aerobatic aircraft and three SIAI-Marchetti S211 jet trainers.

Source: Tom Waitkus (APS)