Spin entry for practice

Practice spin: deliberate entry to train recognition, avoidance, recovery. No use in normal flight (TP 1102).

Before entry (TP 1102):

• Only aircraft certified for intentional spinning. Check type certificate, Aircraft Flight Manual, or placards.
• Placard against intentional spins: assume aircraft could become uncontrollable in a spin.
• Pre-entry checks: cockpit checks, minimum altitude, suitable area, lookout.
• Recovery height: complete every practice spin recovery no lower than 2,000 ft AGL, or manufacturer's recommended height if greater (TP 1102; TC AIM 4.3).

Inducing the spin (TP 1102):

1. Reduce power to minimum. Stall with gradually applied full aft control column, holding near normal climb attitude.
2. At or slightly before the stall, apply full rudder in the desired spin direction.
3. Hold full rudder and control column fully back for autorotation to develop. Resist urge to release back pressure.
4. Run desired turns. Two complete turns normally enough for practice. Never exceed six turns in an approved aircraft.

Other points (TP 1102):

• Entry becomes spiral: recover from spiral dive, restart entry.
• Some aircraft need special techniques to start a spin on purpose, yet have still spun accidentally through mishandling in routine turns or slow flight.

Trap: releasing back pressure as autorotation starts. Interrupts entry before spin develops.

Practice