Initiating spins

[frogg320]

I've read most of the aerobatic descriptions, but I still can't seem to figure out how you initiate a flat spin? I've even seen it done in one of the videos on this board (though that was an inverted one)...can anyone lend some insight to someone fairly new to the whole aerobatics thing?

[flyfalcons]

First you need to have your plane set up with an aft CG and plenty of elevator and rudder throw. Get yourself into a normal spin with full up elevator, left rudder, and left aileron. As the spin develops, slowly take out the aileron control. If the spin does not flatten, add some opposite aileron. With my Extra I need full opposite aileron, while on my fun fly planes I only need partial opposite aileron. Adding a couple clicks of power will help bring the nose up. To recover, just power to idle and release the controls. Hope this helps!

[Wiseguy]

hmm. How do you start a normal spin then? :D

[flyfalcons]

Get the plane to stall, then as the nose starts to drop apply full up elevator, and rudder and aileron in the same direction.

[Jim T. Graham]

Sometimes an inverted flat spin is easier than upright. Put both sticks in the upper inner corners. When the bird starts to spin move the aileron out towards the middle. It should start to flatten out. You may even have to modulate the aileron a little to keep it in there. Also entering from a blender gets me flatter faster.
Go straight up, kill the throttle, when the plane is pointed down give left aileron, roll three times then BANG both sticks in the inner, upper conerners and proceed as listed above. Flat spins are beautiful.