Spin Awareness
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with power-on stalls
  • Note: See Appendix 6: Safety of Flight and Appendix 7: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations
  • References: FAA-S-ACS-6, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; AC 61-67; POH/AFM

Attention:

  • Research a case study
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

  • Practicing spins build awareness regarding the recognition of, entry into, and recovery from spins
  • An aggravated stall resulting in auto-rotation about the spin axis wherein the aircraft follows a corkscrew path due to one wing being more stalled than another
  • Characterized by high AoA, low airspeed, and high rate of descent where all aerodynamic and inertial forces are balanced
    • It is this balance that must be upset to recover
  • Spins can be entered from any flight attitude and from practically any airspeed
  • A spin is initiated where the pilot includes or fails to include rudder, aileron, or power individually or in combination during a stall
  • Auto-rotation occurs from an asymmetrical stall (think skid)
  • There is an abrupt loss of control when leaving the stall and entering the spin
  • Certification standards require the practice of spin procedures
  • Ensure to follow appropriate regulations related to spins throughout the conduct of the maneuver

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Spin Awareness:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

  • Complete assigned reading (see content above)
  • Ask pertinent questions
  • Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate

Completion Standards:

  • Spin Awareness:

    • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with spins, flight situations where unintentional spins may occur and procedures for recovery from unintentional spins
    • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; AC 61-67; POH/AFM

    Spin Awareness Knowledge:

    The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:
    • PA.VII.D.K1:
      Aerodynamics associated with spins in various airplane configurations, to include the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects
    • PA.VII.D.K2:
      What causes a spin and how to identify the entry, incipient, and developed phases of a spin

    • PA.VII.D.K3:

      Spin recovery procedure

    Spin Awareness Risk Management:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:
    • PA.VII.D.R1:
      Factors and situations that could lead to inadvertent spin and loss of control
    • PA.VII.D.R2:
      Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.)
    • PA.VII.D.R3:
      Improper spin recovery procedure
    • PA.VII.D.R5:
      Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires

    • PA.VII.D.R6:

      Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.

    Spin Awareness Skills:

    N/A

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson