We just had this same debate in our school. The AC won.

FWIW, I offered/highly suggested spin training to all of my students (regardless of level), and required it in aircraft that were more prone to spinning at slow airspeeds (such as the Piper Pacer).

I remember being very good at power-on turning spins (ahem, stalls...) back in my 152 PPL training. That my instructor basically let me do it was a great learning experience. It's important to know what happens when and have experience reacting to it by rote--if you spin below two or three thousand feet, you don't have time to plumb the depths of your brain for the recovery procedure. Also, it's kinda fun once you get used to it.

Anything that is both fun and may save your life one day is worth it.

From what I understand, you have to wear a chute unless it is specifically for the training requirement of the cfi certificate. I used to teach aerobatics while I was in college and I think its smart to go ahead and wear a parachute anytime you are doin abnormal maneuvers such as this. In addition, when I would give a cfi applicant spin training, I would take them do some basic aerobatic maneuvers as well. In my opinion, having some knowledge of basic aerobatics makes someone a better pilot anyway. I would go to an aerobatic school for your spin training, generally those instructors will be better, you will have a chute on and you may get to see some other maneuvers too.

There's nothing that says that you can't start training to be a CFI from hour 1... With regards to the chute, the Dulles, Richmond, and Fargo FSDO's have all told me that I can conduct spin training without a chute for any pilot whether or not working towards a rating.

AC61-67C backs that up:

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.

First let me say that I recommend spin training. I have my CFI checkride next Friday. I did spin training about 3-4 weeks ago and I took a lot out of it. For one thing I am no longer scared of spins or worried if I will remember how to apply the controls quickly and effectively to stop it. Secondly it was a BLAST. It was the most fun I had since first learning with my PPL. Really gives you respect for what can happen if you mess up too.

How are you supposed to get out of a 152/172 in a spin to use the chute? I can barely get in/out of them standing still on the ground! :D

Just finished up my "upset training" here at ERAU in our Decathlons. Some of the most fun flying I've ever done, and one heck of an experience. Definitely good to be part of it to have the confidence you need to get out of a spin quickly.

spins....hum....just about the most fun you can have in an airplane that is no acro rated, with you clothes on that is.........

seriously though, Tweet spin training had several purposes not the least of which was as a confidence builder. And believe me.. we spun the ever loving crap out of that plane.... it spun either direction... and could damn near be put in an inverted spin just as easily as a normal spin... GREAT for confidence building that even when you seem out of control that the right techniques can get it back.......