Overview
This lecture explains aircraft spins, why they happen, how to prevent them, and the correct recovery procedures, focusing on flight safety and FAA guidelines.
What Is a Spin?
- A spin occurs when an aircraft enters an aggravated stall and yaw is mishandled.
- During a spin, the airplane descends rapidly in a corkscrew path.
- A spin is dangerous, especially at low altitude.
Causes of Spins
- Spins happen if, during a stall, the tail is not aligned with the aircraft's direction of travel (yaw mismanagement).
- Mishandling yaw can cause uneven airflow over the airplane, making it difficult to control, especially at low speed or during stalls.
- Most trainers have wing twist (washout) so the wing root stalls first, making stalls more gradual.
- In an aggravated stall, the entire wing is stalled, losing almost all lift.
Recognizing and Preventing Spins
- Warning signs of an impending stall: stall horn, stall light, or wing buffeting.
- The inclinometer ("the ball") shows if the aircraft is coordinated; a centered ball means proper alignment.
- Slips and skids are conditions when the aircraft tail is not aligned with its direction of travel.
- Keeping the airplane coordinated (nose and tail aligned) makes spins nearly impossible.
Spin Recovery Procedures
- The most crucial step is to first break the stall by pushing the nose forward.
- If the aircraft is spinning, use the PAER acronym: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite to spin, Elevator forward.
- Always check the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for aircraft-specific procedures.
- Recovery is easier in training aircraft, and breaking the stall early usually prevents a spin.
- You are generally not required to complete spin training for a private pilot certificate.
FAA Exam Insights
- A common FAA test question asks which wings are stalled in a spin; the correct answer is both wings are stalled.
- Both wings are stalled during a spin, but one may be producing slightly more lift.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Spin — An aggravated stall with yaw, causing a spiraling descent.
- Aggravated Stall — A stall with increased angle of attack and decreased lift across the entire wing.
- Yaw — Side-to-side motion of the aircraft’s nose.
- Inclinometer ("the ball") — Cockpit instrument indicating if aircraft is coordinated.
- Slip/Skid — Conditions where the tail is misaligned with travel direction.
- Washout — Wing design where the root stalls before the tip.
- PAER — Acronym for Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite, Elevator forward (spin recovery).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Take the free quiz linked in the video description.
- Review spin recovery procedures in your aircraft’s POH.
- Prepare for the next lesson on controllability.