Stall/spin accidents occur predominantly in the traffic pattern — during base-to-final turns, go-arounds, and slow-speed maneuvering near the ground. They are lethal precisely because they happen when altitude is limited. Understanding spins, recognizing their precursors, and knowing how to recover is not optional knowledge for a serious pilot.
What Is a Spin?
A spin is an aggravated stall in which the aircraft enters a state of autorotation — rotating around its vertical axis while descending steeply. It is caused by stalling with uncoordinated flight (typically with a skidding or slipping turn).
The key insight: spins are always preceded by a stall. You cannot enter a spin without first stalling. This means spin prevention begins with stall recognition — and stall recognition is a skill that requires deliberate practice.
Phases of a Spin
- Incipient phase (first 1–2 turns): The spin is developing. Recovery is easiest here. Most training spins are recovered in the incipient phase.
- Developed spin (steady-state autorotation): The aircraft has settled into a consistent rotation rate and descent path. Altitude is being lost rapidly.
- Recovery: The pilot applies the correct recovery technique and the spin stops.
Spin Recovery: PARE
Always verify the recovery procedure in your aircraft's POH — some aircraft have different or additional steps. PARE is the standard starting point for most training aircraft.
Benefits of Spin Training
- Stall recognition instincts — pilots who have experienced spins develop a much more acute sense of impending stall in all phases of flight.
- Confidence at unusual attitudes — recovering from a fully developed spin requires overcoming instinctive reactions. Doing it in a controlled training environment builds the ability to act correctly when it counts.
- Improved rudder coordination — the discipline of coordinated flight is reinforced by understanding what uncoordinated flight at low speed can lead to.
- Reduced fear of stalls — pilots who avoid stall practice create a dangerous blind spot. Spin training removes the mystery and the fear.
Who Should Do Spin Training?
Spin training is required for CFI-Airplane applicants and is part of the endorsement process for student pilots before solo. But the benefits extend to every certificated pilot. If you've never done intentional spin training, you have a gap in your aeronautical education — regardless of your certificate level.
Parrish Aviation offers spin training as part of its Airmanship Course. Contact us to schedule.
Ready to Start Your Aviation Journey?
Parrish Aviation — FAA Part 141 Flight School at Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD)