The Spin
Big Idea
In a fully developed spin, the airplane is stalled AND rotating. It looks scary but the recovery is simple if you know the steps.
Fun Fact
During a spin, the airplane descends about 500-1,000 feet per rotation. At low altitude, there is no time to recover!
What You Will Learn
- Watch the instructor demonstrate a spin entry
- Observe the rotation and descent
- Count the rotations
- Understand why altitude is critical for spin recovery
Simulator Steps
- Instructor enters a spin from straight flight (you watch)
- Notice: the nose is down, the world is spinning
- Count each rotation: 1... 2... 3...
- Watch the altimeter — see how fast altitude is lost
- Instructor recovers — you watch the steps
What You Learned
- A spin is a stalled, rotating descent
- Altitude is lost quickly during a spin
- The recovery procedure is called PARE