FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Aerodynamics and PerformanceMedium
A pilot enters an unintentional spin and must recover using the standard control inputs. Which sequence correctly follows the recommended spin recovery procedure?
- AElevator forward, rudder opposite rotation, ailerons neutral, power idle
- BAilerons into the spin, power full, rudder neutral, elevator neutral
- CRudder neutral, power idle, ailerons opposite rotation, elevator aft
- DPower idle, ailerons neutral, rudder full opposite rotation, elevator forward to break the stall
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Power idle, ailerons neutral, rudder full opposite rotation, elevator forward to break the stall
The standard spin recovery procedure (often remembered as PARE) is: Power to idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder applied opposite the direction of rotation, and Elevator moved forward to reduce angle of attack and break the stall, followed by neutralizing rudder and gently recovering from the dive.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The sequence is reversed; power and ailerons should be addressed before elevator forward.
- B. Adding power and using ailerons into the spin can aggravate the spin and delay recovery.
- C. Elevator aft would deepen the stall rather than breaking it.
PARE Spin Recovery
Standard spin recovery sequence: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite rotation, Elevator forward to break the stall.
- Ailerons neutral prevents aggravating the spin via adverse yaw.
- Rudder must be applied opposite the spin direction, not aileron.
- Elevator forward reduces AOA below critical to stop autorotation.
Memory trick: PARE down the spin: Power, Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator.