Spin Awareness and Spins
To determine the applicant understands spins, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction. Note: At the discretion of the evaluator, a logbook record attesting applicant instructional competency in spin entries, spins, and spin recoveries may be accepted in lieu of this Task. The flight instructor who conducted the spin instruction must certify the logbook record. Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Bottom line
An airplane needs to be stalled and yawed in order to enter a spin. Upon recognition of a spin or approaching spin, the pilot should immediately execute spin recovery procedures. Most stall/spin accidents occurred when the pilot's attention was diverted from the primary task of flying the aircraft.
FAA references
- AFH ch. 5, Spin Awareness (p. 5-22) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AIH ch. 9 (p. 9-9) — FAA-H-8083-9B
- AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
Knowledge
- AI.X.I.K1: Purpose of and procedures for spin awareness and spins.
- AI.X.I.K2: Aerodynamics associated with spins in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load fa
- AI.X.I.K3: What causes a spin and how to identify the entry, incipient, and developed phases of a spin.
- AI.X.I.K4: Spin recovery procedure.
- AI.X.I.K5: Human factors associated with spin instruction.
- AI.X.I.K6: How to determine if an airplane approved for the spin maneuver based on airworthiness category and type certificate.
- AI.X.I.K7: Flight situations where unintentional spins may occur.
- AI.X.I.K8: Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude for intentional spins.
- AI.X.I.K9: Control procedure to maintain a stabilized spin.
- AI.X.I.K10: Recognize conditions that lead to a spin for future avoidance.
- AI.X.I.K11: Orientation during a spin, including which instrument(s) are reliable for determining the directions of spin.
- AI.X.I.K12: Recovery procedure and minimum recovery altitude for intentional spins.
- AI.X.I.K13: Common errors related to this Task.
Risk management
- AI.X.I.R1: Factors and situations that could lead to inadvertent spin and loss of control.
- AI.X.I.R2: Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
- AI.X.I.R3: Spin recovery procedure.
- AI.X.I.R4: Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to spins (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).
- AI.X.I.R5: Collision hazards.
- AI.X.I.R6: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
- AI.X.I.S1: Clear the area.
- AI.X.I.S2: Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 4,000 feet AGL.
- AI.X.I.S3: Enter and recover from an intentional spin if requested by the evaluator.
- AI.X.I.S4: Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task. Note: The evaluator must select at least one Task from this Area of Operation.
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