What is a Stall?

Power Off Stalls

Power On Stalls

Other Stalls

Spins

The pilot uses the rudder to keep the airplane coordinated during a stall. This means to keep the tail in line with the nose, preventing the airplane from yawing and rolling during the stall. If the airplane is not coordinated during the stall, it will yaw to the left or right. This yawing motion will advance one wing forward, relaxing the stall on that wing. At the same time, the yawing motion will cause the other wing to retreat, deepening its stall. The airplane continues to yaw and roll toward the retreating wing.

As rotation develops, the retreating wing becomes very deeply stalled, producing a great amount of drag. The advancing wing produces enough lift and a lesser drag, causing a continuous rotation of the airplane to develop. The flight path becomes nearly vertical, as the airplane descends at a high rate of descent.

The Phases of a Spin

A spin is considered to consist of four phases. The first phase is the entry phase, in which the pilot sets the airplane up for a spin, either intentionally or by accident. The airplane must be stalled to spin. Next, the airplane enters the incipient phase of the spin, which lasts the first few turns. After these first two or so turns, the airplane stabilizes, entering the developed phase. The developed phase is characterized by a nearly vertical descent path and stable rates of turn and descent. The final phase of the spin is the recovery phase, in which the pilot breaks the stall and recovers the airplane.

Spin Recovery

Follow the technique for spin recovery recommended by the manufacturer. In general, spin recovery involves the following steps:

1. Idle Power: Engine power causes the airplane to spin faster and flatter, making recovery more difficult. The engine should be reduced to idle to allow for spin recovery.
2. Neutralize Ailerons: Ailerons probably will not do much to help you during a spin. It is very possible that their use would result in no effect, very little effect, or result in unpredicted airplane behavior, such as rolling in the direction opposite of that commanded. Neutralize the ailerons to make sure they are not hampering spin recovery.
3. Full Opposite Rudder: Apply full rudder opposite the direction of the spin. Push the rudder pedal as far as it will go, using all the rudder authority available.
4. Forward Elevator: The airplane will not spin, unless it is stalled. Break the stall by applying forward elevator.
5. Neutralize Rudder: When the airplane stops spinning, return the rudder to the neutral position.
6. Level the Airplane: When the airplane comes out of the spin, the rotation will stop. The airplane will likely be in a nearly straight down orientation. The airspeed will rise quickly, and a rush of air can be heard. Retract flaps and gear, if extended, to prevent structural damage as a result of the dive. Carefully return the airplane to the straight and level attitude, being cautious not to over speed or overstress the airplane.

Steep Spirals

Be careful not to mistake a steep spiral for a spin. A steep spiral is a maneuver in which the airplane is turning and descending as a result of a recent maneuver or pilot inputs. Sometimes an airplane will begin to go into a spin, but enter a steep spiral, instead. Other times the airplane might recover from a spin into a steep spiral. While in a steep spiral, the airplane is not stalled.

Airspeed indicated whether a spin or spiral exists. The airplane is stalled in a spin, and the airspeed will remain low. If the airspeed is increasing, the airplane is in a spiral.

Since the airplane is flying when in a spiral, simply return the airplane to the desired orientation, airspeed, and configuration.

Intentional Spins

You will not have to demonstrate spins to your flight instructor or as part of your private pilot checkride. Whether to demonstrate spins to the student is at the discretion of the instructor, and intentional spins are prohibited in many aircraft.

If you and your flight instructor decide to conduct spin familiarization training, make sure intentional spinning of your aircraft is permitted by checking the airplane's type certification data sheet, its Pilot's Operating Handbook, and by observing placards installed in the airplane.

In addition, ensure any restrictions are met, such as weight and balance limitations. A more aft center of gravity makes the airplane spin flatter, and spin recovery is made more difficult or impossible.