Spinning!
 

Today I did my spin signoff in a Skyhawk. The instructor demonstrated a spin to the left and I was instantly hooked. My first attempt was in his words was an exaggerated slip. I needed to kick the rudder and really cross control it. There I did it and it was quite an amazing feeling. After 2 more successful spins and recoveries I could not stop talking about it and smiling. After coming home I couldn't stop thinking of how much fun it was. My confidence level in the airplane grew exponentially. I must say that some sort of exposure to spins would undoubtedly make anyone more confident and so I wonder why it is not included in the private pilot syllabus? Oh and by the way, CFI checkride is next week. Wish me luck!

I'm glad you enjoyed the spin training! I'm not sure the exact reason behind it, but I believe part of the reason why the FAA no longer requires spin training for the Private is because they felt it exposed the student to unnecessary risk for two reasons: 1) The spin training itself and 2) It gave students the feeling that they could go out and do intentional stalls on their own. Again, not 100% on that but it's what I've heard.

Also... Good luck on your checkride!

Spins are cool! We spin the Texan all the time....and what's really cool is when u are a formation and you take an offset stance and watch your buddy spin! Here is a sweet vid...

Youtube: T6 Texan II Spin Video

I fly some spins and then just let go of the controls...the T-6 will actually recover itself after about 4 turns from when u let go! Giddy-Up!!

PP -

As you have recently learned, stall/spin training (and the associated recoveries) will give you great confidence in both your abilities and the airplane. If possible, later in your training, try some basic aerobatic training. Actually controlling the plane while flying near the limits of its' performance will give you even greater confidence and appreciation.

USMCFLYR

Spun 3 planes. 2 of them were intentional. It's the unintentional ones that'll get ya. But the training kicked in and so did the correct rudder after a turn.

Congrats. I agree with USMC - get some aerobatic training. That's a blast.

Full stall, and spin training AND basic acro should be the foundation of all flight training. Its a shame its not. When I got my PPL .... well many years ago the military aero club I belonged to required all of these things if your were going to take a ppl check ride in one of their aircraft. They had a citabria for just that purpose. Then of course years later in UPT it was taken to another level.

....ooooh, now that you guys mention it, I do like a good CT (or solo) sortie on a Friday afternoon w/ cloud build-ups from about 8-11k!!! Throw in some upside down time....and we got one hell of a way to start a weekend!!!

I did my initial aerobatic training in a 2T-1A Sport Biplane (Great Lakes Aircraft Company) : Great Lakes Aircraft Company - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I felt like a WWI fighter pilot on patrol!

Talking about another level Herc - my IP on my advanced spin hop in the T-2C told me that I'd enjoy telling my grandchildren about the time that I found myself at 20,000' over the aircraft carrier in an inverted spin :eek:
It is a memory that sticks with you for sure - - not only the flight in this case, but the environment.

73M - tell us the story how you found yourself in an UNintentional spin.
I'm sure there would learning points associated ;)

USMCFLYR

Let's just say overconfidence and uncoordination are a bad combination, although I may have been a bit steep upon the power on stall entry:eek:

I applied the correct controls to no avail, looked at the ground and thought, well that's where they'll find me. Tried the real correct control inputs and she popped out just fine. Took a few deep breaths and used my smooth "pilot radio" voice to let departure know I was done in the practice area and would like to return to base.

If you're not learning something on each flight, something's wrong.

Very good attitude, and I agree. But balance curiosity with common sense. When I have been away from spins for a while I plan the next event carefully- what am I going to do, what do I expect to happen, what if it doesn't happen that way, how does this work, etc. Spins are not something most of us we stay proficient at and it is easy to get out of control in some airplanes.