how long does it take to recover from spins?

[Tonala2k]

Avbug, I've read several of your posts and you're right on every time. I want to chime in for Doozer, however. While like Avbug I feel it's poor technique, it sounds like Doozer is getting good results out of the training contrary to mainstream logic. Let's not harp on Doozer too much. I do want to add that (second hand knowledge) my CP told me that when they first changed this reg he was livid, but quickly saw an improvement in flight quality for students.

VW, these are questions you should be asking your CFI in ground training. Don't get too eager to get a head of the ball. I know you're very excited about aviation, but just give it time to grow with you.

 

[Doozer]

If students keep spinning you, then you're behind the airplane and behind the student, and that's not a good place to be.

Well, I did say

I learned this technique by accident/inattention

Also, as midlifeflyer speculates, except for when I was doing it for Uncle Sam, I too only instruct part-time, so I'm probably not a statistically significant sample.

Still, the limited number of students I have now do pretty well overall, and I'm not one to argue against a method I've found 100% successful for me.

 

[Groucho]

When I took aerobatic instruction I specificially asked for all the spins listed in the National Aerobatic Association dictionary. This was a real eye-opener. I have done aerobatics before and spins but not at this level.

The basics of all the spins, that is normal, flat, crossover, inverted, and flat inverted can be entered by simply using the wrong recovery technique aggressively. The flat spins can really wind up with aileron input and not reducing power. The Pitts flat spins like a top. The crossover can develop from a normal recovery with too much down elevator input. In effect you snap the airplane thru vertical down with a real good push and the stall retakes in the inverted position. There is not that much difference in the nose attitude, it's about 60 degrees nose down , it's just through the vertical in the other direction.

Inverted spin recovery is actually quicker as there is more rudder available, it is not blanked out by the elevator due to a very high angle of attack.

The most disorienting was the flat inverted; leave the power on, gets lots of aileron in the direction of the spin and hold the stick full forward, if entering from either a crossover or inverted flight. It's about 2.5 negative G and the world goes around very fast. The amazing thing about the Pitts recovery is if you are disoriented just let go while pulling off the power. The airplane recovers very well by itself.

The problem is that not all airplanes behave this way and I would agree with avbug that excessive and incorrect inputs can worsen a spin situaition and even without a full spin developing it scares the student. It's not a good way to teach.

 

[81Horse]

I did spins in a Tomahawk in 1979. I still haven't recovered.

Bwah-hahahahahahaha!

I came here to say the SAME thing! :laugh:

 

[Goose Egg]

I came here to say the SAME thing!

Dang you guys beat me to it!

-Goose