AFH Chapter 4-27 Intentional Spins

Intentional Spins

If the manufacturer does not specifically approve an airplane for spins, intentional spins are not authorized by the CFRs or by this handbook.

 

The official sources for determining whether the spin maneuver is approved are:

 

• Type Certificate Data Sheets or the Aircraft Specifications

 

• The limitation section of the FAA-approved AFM/ POH.

 

The limitation section may provide additional specific requirements for spin authorization, such as limiting gross weight, CG range, and amount of fuel.

 

• On a placard located in clear view of the pilot in the airplane (e.g., “NO ACROBATIC MANEUVERS INCLUDING SPINS APPROVED”).

 

In airplanes placarded against spins, there is no assurance that recovery from a fully developed spin is possible.

 

Unfortunately, accident records show occurrences in which pilots intentionally ignored spin restrictions.

 

Despite the installation of placards prohibiting intentional spins in these airplanes, some pilots and even some flight instructors attempt to justify the maneuver, rationalizing that the spin restriction results from a “technicality” in the airworthiness standards.

 

They believe that if the airplane was spin tested during its certification process, no problem should result from demonstrating or practicing spins.

 

Such pilots overlook the fact that certification of a normal category airplane only requires the airplane to recover from a one-turn spin in not more than one additional turn or three seconds, whichever takes longer.

 

In other words, the airplane may never be in a fully developed spin.

 

Therefore, in airplanes placarded against spins, there is absolutely no assurance that recovery from a fully developed spin is possible under any circumstances.

 

The pilot of an airplane placarded against intentional spins should assume that the airplane could become uncontrollable in a spin.