Planez

Spin Training

What We Do

Spins seem to be mamy pilot's "monster in the closet", and there is much that is often misunderstood regarding spins. Our hope is that we can dispell some of the myths and improve pilot's understanding of spins. And, honestly, for the right individual they are just a fun skill to master.

As with our tailwheel training, we feel the right place to start is with a good bit of time spent in ground instruction. Spins are no different. All spin training is done in the Super Decathlon.

How We Do It

We offer two levels of spin training. One level is specifically targteted at the CFI candidate who simply needs to get his or her spin endorsement. It is also an appropriate level for those who are just curious and want a good solid introduction to spins. The second level is for those who are more curious, and want to dive into spins on a more extensive basis.

Because there is no objective "acceptance criteria" for spin training we offer these packages as flat-rate deals since we can complete them in a pre-determined amount of time. The basic spin training (targeted for CFI candiates and people who just want an introduction) will include ground instruction as well as an hour (roughly) of flight. The more advanced package provides all that, with some additional flight time and exploration of a wider range of spin modalities.

Ground Instruction

Understanding spins, how they are initiated, and the dynamics of a spin are important. Anyone can just go up into the sky, stall the plane, and shove the rudder to the floor. We want you to understand what is actually happening. So we do spend time on the ground covering a wide range of topics. They include :

Stall and Yaw required!
Angle of attack, and how it impacts spins.
What is flying, and what is stalled.
Common spin recovery techniques.
What doesn't work.

Stalls, stalls, and more stalls

You can't spin without a stall, so getting comfortable with all types of stalls in the aircraft is step number one. We will perform power off stalls, power on stalls, and will pay careful attention to the dynamics of the stall (i.e. when recovery starts, what is needed to maintain coordination, etc.). We will then explore poorly executed stalls by being uncoordinated (intentionally!) as well as executing poor recoveries. In he mix will be secondary stalls with an eye toward how they are precipitated and how they commonly create an uncoordinated condition. These are all often the precursors to a spin.

Basic Spins

With all types of stalls mastered we will then progress to basic upright spins. These will be initiated various ways, including the common foot-to-the-floor method. We will explore both correct recovery techniques as well as some of the more common incorrect recovery methods. Start with power-off stalls/spin entries, with the first being a simple exploration of incipient spins, then half-turn spins, working up to multi-turn spins. Finally we will explore spin entries from power-on stalls which can be much more "energetic".

Advanced Spins

This is for people who want to go beyond the CFI/basic set of spins. In this section we will explore accelerated spins, and flat spins. Alternate recoveries, as well as improper recoveries will be explored. This is for people who want the "full montie" and is not required for the CFI spin endorsement as specified by 14 CFR 61.183(i(1)).

Resources

Pilots can prepare in advance by engaging in some reading, if they wish. I (Dwight) did so prior to my first ever spin training session, and was quite convinced I knew what was going to happen. I tell the story that, when we did our first tiny little 1/4 turn incipient spin all I could do is gasp and open my eyes wider than I'd have thought humanly possible. Nothing can quite prepare most people for that first wing-drop and start of rotation. But, it can't hurt either ... and it can be some darned interesting reading!

Stalls, Spins, and Safety by Sammy Mason