Prior to beginning spin training, the flight area above and below the glider must be clear of other air traffic. Clearing the area may be accomplished while slowing the glider for the spin entry. All spin training should be initiated at an altitude high enough for a completed recovery at or above 1,500 feet AGL within gliding distance of a landing area. There are four phases of a spin: entry, incipient, developed, and recovery. 

## Entry Phase 

In the entry phase, the pilot provides the necessary elements for the spin, either accidentally or intentionally. The entry procedure for demonstrating a spin is similar to a stall. As the glider approaches a stall, smoothly apply full rudder in the direction of the desired spin rotation while applying full back (up) elevator to the limit of travel. Always maintain the ailerons in the neutral position during the spin procedure unless the GFM/POH specifies otherwise. 

## Incipient Phase 

The incipient phase takes place between the time the glider stalls and rotation starts until the spin has fully developed. This change may take up to two turns for most gliders. An incipient spin that is not allowed to develop into a steady- state spin is the most commonly used in the introduction to spin training and recovery techniques. In this phase, the aerodynamic and inertial forces have not achieved a balance. As the incipient spin develops, the indicated airspeed should be near or below stall airspeed. The incipient spin recovery procedure should be commenced prior to the completion of 360° of rotation. The pilot should apply full rudder opposite the direction of rotation. 

## Developed Phase 

The developed phase occurs when the glider’s angular rotation rate, airspeed, and vertical speed are stabilized while in a flightpath that is nearly vertical. This is, when glider aerodynamic forces and inertial forces are in balance and the attitude, angles, and self-sustaining motions about the vertical axis are constant or repetitive, the spin is in equilibrium. 

## Recovery Phase 

The recovery phase occurs when the angle of attack of the wings drops below the critical angle of attack and autorotation slows. Then, the nose drops below the spin pitch attitude and rotation stops. This phase may last for a quarter turn to several turns. To recover, control inputs are initiated to disrupt the spin equilibrium by stopping the rotation and stall. To accomplish spin recovery, the manufacturer’s recommended procedures should be followed. In the absence of the manufacturer’s recommended spin recovery procedures, the following steps for general spin recovery are recommended: 

1. Position the ailerons to neutral. Ailerons may have an adverse effect on spin recovery. Aileron control in the direction of the spin may increase the rate of rotation and delay the recovery. Aileron control opposite the direction of the spin may cause the down aileron to move the wing deeper into the stall and aggravate the situation. The best procedure is to ensure that the ailerons are neutral. If the flaps are extended prior to the spin, they should be retracted as soon as possible after spin entry. 

2. Apply full opposite rudder against the rotation. Ensure that full (against the stop) opposite rudder has been applied. 

3. When rotation stops, apply a positive and brisk, straightforward movement of the elevator control past neutral to break the stall. The forceful movement of the elevator decreases the excessive angle of attack and breaks the stall. The controls should be held firmly in this position. 

4. After spin rotation stops, neutralize the rudder. If the rudder is not neutralized at this time, the ensuing increased airspeed acting upon a deflected rudder causes a yawing effect. Slow and overly cautious control movements during spin recovery must be avoided. In certain cases, it has been found that such movements result in the glider continuing to spin indefinitely, even with antispin inputs. A brisk and positive technique, on the other hand, results in a more positive spin recovery. 

5. Begin applying back-elevator pressure to raise the nose to level flight. Caution must be used not to apply excessive back-elevator pressure after the rotation stops. Excessive back-elevator pressure can cause a secondary stall and result in another spin. Care should be taken not to exceed the G-load limits and airspeed limitations during recovery. 

It is important to remember that the above spin recovery procedures are recommended for use only in the absence of the manufacturer’s procedures. Before any pilot attempts to begin spin training, the pilot must be familiar with the procedures provided by the manufacturer for spin recovery. 

The most common problems in spin recovery include pilot confusion in determining the direction of spin rotation and whether the maneuver is a spin or a spiral. If the airspeed is increasing, the glider is no longer in a spin but in a spiral. In a spin, the glider is stalled and the airspeed is at or below stalling speed. 

Common errors when encountering/practicing spins include: 

• Failure to clear area before a spin. 

