Spin direction and disorientation on instruments
Spin direction comes from the turn needle (turn-and-bank indicator or turn coordinator). Needle deflects toward the spin (TP 1102).
| Instrument | Use in spin |
|---|---|
| Turn needle | Direction: deflects with spin |
| Ball | Ignore while finding direction |
| Altimeter | Rapid height loss confirms spin; no direction |
| Attitude indicator | Not a direction reference (unreliable in extreme attitudes) |
| Magnetic compass | Not a direction reference (not reliable for heading in a turn) |
Recovery rudder:
| Needle | Spin | Rudder |
|---|---|---|
| Full right | Right | Full left rudder |
| Full left | Left | Full right rudder |
Critical hazard: disorientation usually accompanying a spin, not the manoeuvre. Senses mislead; read instruments.
Trap: judging spin direction by feel or ball, not turn needle.
References
- TP 1102 (Aeroplane Flight Training Manual), Ex. 24 Instrument Flying: Unusual Attitudes and Recoveries, Spin Recovery