SECTION 4
NORMAL PROCEDURES
CESSNA
MODEL 172N
ed loadings. Spins with baggage loadings or occupied rear seat(s) are not
approved.
However, before attempting to perform spins several items should be
carefully considered to assure a safe flight. No spins should be attempted
without first having received dual instruction both in spin entries and spin
recoveries from a qualified instructor who is familiar with the spin
characteristics of the Cessna 172N.
The ca.bin should be clean and all loose equipment (including the
microphone and rear seat belts) should be stowed or secured. For a sole
flight in which spins will be conducted, the copilot's seat belt and shoulder
harness should also be secured. The seat belts and shoulder harnesses
should be adjusted to provide proper restraint during all anticipated flight
conditions. However, care should be taken to ensure that the pilot can
easily reach the flight controls and produce maximum Gontrol travels.
It is recommended that, where feasible, entries be accomplished at
high enough altitude that recoveries are completed 4000 feet or more above
ground level. At least 1000 feet of altitude loss should be allowed for a 1-
turn spin and recovery, while a 6-turn spin and recovery may require
somewhat more than twice that amount. For example, the recommended
entry altitude for a 6-tum spin would be 6000 feet above ground level. In
any case, entries should be planned so that recoveries are completed well
above the minimum 1500 feet above ground level required by FAR 91.71.
Another reason for using high altitudes for practicing spins is that a
greater field of view is provided which will assist in maintaining pilot
orientation.
The normal entry is made from a power-off stall. As the stall is
approached, the elevator control should be smoothly pulled to the full aft
position. Just prior to reaching the stall "break", rudder control in the
desired direction of the spin rotation should be applied so that full rudder
deflection is reached almost simultaneously with reaching full aft eleva
tor. A slightly greater rate of deceleration than for normal stall entries,
application of ailerons in the direction of the desired spin, and the use of
power at the entry will assure more consistent and positive entries to the
spin. As the airplane begins to spin, reduce the power to idle and return the
ailerons to neutral. Both elevator and rudder controls should be held full
with the spin until the spin recovery is initiated. An inadvertent relaxation
of either of these controls could result in the development of a nose-down
spiral.
For the purpose of training in spins and spin recoveries, a 1 or 2 turn
spin is adequate and should be used. Up to 2 turns, the spin will progress to
a fairly rapid rate of rotation and a steep attitude. Application of recovery
controls will produce prompt recoveries (within 1/4 turn). During ex-
4-18
1 July 1979
