FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsMedium
A flight instructor teaches spin recovery using the acronym PARE (Power, Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator). What is the correct first action a pilot should take upon recognizing an unintentional spin?
- ANeutralize the ailerons
- BReduce power to idle
- CMove the elevator briskly forward
- DApply full opposite rudder to stop rotation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Reduce power to idle
The PARE checklist begins with reducing Power to idle, since excess power can aggravate the spin and increase altitude loss. Only after power is reduced does the pilot neutralize ailerons, apply full opposite rudder, and then move the elevator forward to break the stall.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Neutralizing ailerons is the second step, following the power reduction.
- C. Forward elevator is the final step, applied after rudder input stops the rotation.
- D. Opposite rudder is the third step, applied after power reduction and neutralizing ailerons.
PARE Spin Recovery Checklist
A standardized spin recovery sequence: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder full opposite rotation, Elevator forward to break the stall.
- Power to idle prevents aggravating the spin
- Ailerons neutral reduces adverse aileron drag
- Full opposite rudder stops rotation
- Elevator forward breaks the stall, followed by dive recovery
Memory trick: 'Power first, always' starts every spin recovery.