That is NOT the correct way to do turns around a point!:p

Uh, yea, I think you got some bad info. From what I remember turns around a point were done below 1000' AGL. If you got into spin, let alone an inverted spin, you probably wouldn't recover. Does your best friend know what a spin is?

Really? Wow, I've always been under the assumption(yes, "ASSUME") that spins all together were exempt, but yes I understand they violate the +/- 30 pitch, 60+ bank rule. I've talked with many CFI's and never heard any of them ever mention having to get a chute for this. Guess this is definately a question to take to the FSDO for clarification in Spin Awareness training.

Spins are only exempt from the aerobatic parachute rule if conducted as part of cfi applicant training. If you spin a student pilot and then say "well he's a commercial wannabe and is going to get his cfi someday" you can probably get away with it. But if you spin someone who has no intent to become a cfi that is a black-and-white violation.

Spins, Progressive Spins, Spirals, Cross Controls and the rest of the OCF stuff is the best part of being a Navy Instructor/Evaluator - get the most spin time you can!

The Regs are a little vague on spins, 91.303 defines aerobatic flight as any that results in an abrupt change in pitch, bank or airspeed and states you need a 'chute but that's about it. AC61-57C outlines stall and spin training.


From AC61-67C:

301. SPIN TRAINING AND PARACHUTES. Part 91, section 91.307(c), prohibits the pilot of a civil aircraft from executing any intentional maneuver that exceeds 60° of bank relative to the horizon, or exceeds 30° noseup or nosedown attitude relative to the horizon, unless an approved parachute is worn by each occupant (other than a crewmember). Section 91.307(d) states, in pertinent part, that section 91.307(c) does not apply to flight tests for a pilot certificate or rating; or spins and other flight maneuvers required by the regulations for any certificate or rating when given by a certified flight instructor (CFI) or an airline transport pilot (ATP) instructing in accordance with section 61.167.
a. Section 61.183(i) requires an applicant for a flight instructor certificate or rating to receive flight training in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures. The applicant must also possess and demonstrate instructional proficiency in these areas to receive the certificate or rating.
b. Because spin entry, spins, and spin recovery are required for a flight instructor certificate or rating, a person receiving instruction from a CFI (or an ATP instructing in accordance with section 61.167) need not wear an approved parachute while instruction is being provided in these maneuvers. This provision applies regardless of the certificate or rating for which the person is receiving training and also if the person is receiving instruction that is not being provided for the purpose of obtaining any additional certificate or rating. The instructor providing the training is also not required to wear an approved parachute while providing this flight training.
c. Additionally, it should be noted that any pilot or required crewmember may perform a maneuver that exceeds the limits prescribed in section 91.307(c) without wearing an approved parachute, provided there are no other occupants in the aircraft or the other occupants are wearing approved parachutes

Wow...this seems to say that any CFI can give spin training to anyone at any time.

Yeah, I think this is one to go to the FSDO with for their interpretation.

The time to learn how to get out of a spin and how to avoid them is NOT when you first experience one turning base to final. PRACTICE THEM NOW.

This is exactly why I teach it. I've seen many students cross-control the base-final because they over-shot. First I tell them if you over-shoot, accept the fact you did, and if you can safely return to final, continue, but otherwise go-around.

Then we go out on the next lesson and demonstrate what can happen. We set up the 5000ft imaginary pattern and do the same inputs. Of course I like to let them try the initial recovery. I guarantee you it'll put a strong mark in the back of their head you'll never see them do it again. Scared Straight is what I like to reference it to