Prior to beginning spin training, the flight area above and  below the glider must be clear of other air traffic. Clearing  the area may be accomplished while slowing the glider for  the spin entry. All spin training should be initiated at an  altitude high enough for a completed recovery at or above  1,500 feet AGL within gliding distance of a landing area.  There are four phases of a spin: entry, incipient, developed,  and recovery. In the entry phase, the pilot provides the necessary elements  for the spin, either accidentally or intentionally. The entry  procedure for demonstrating a spin is similar to a stall. As  the glider approaches a stall, smoothly apply full rudder in  the direction of the desired spin rotation while applying full  back (up) elevator to the limit of travel. Always maintain  the ailerons in the neutral position during the spin procedure  unless the GFM/POH specifies otherwise. The incipient phase takes place between the time the glider  stalls and rotation starts until the spin has fully developed.  This change may take up to two turns for most gliders. An  incipient spin that is not allowed to develop into a steady- state spin is the most commonly used in the introduction  to spin training and recovery techniques. In this phase, the  aerodynamic and inertial forces have not achieved a balance.  As the incipient spin develops, the indicated airspeed should  be near or below stall airspeed. The incipient spin recovery  procedure should be commenced prior to the completion of  360° of rotation. The pilot should apply full rudder opposite  the direction of rotation. The developed phase occurs when the glider’s angular  rotation rate, airspeed, and vertical speed are stabilized while  in a flightpath that is nearly vertical. This is, when glider  aerodynamic forces and inertial forces are in balance and the  attitude, angles, and self-sustaining motions about the vertical  axis are constant or repetitive, the spin is in equilibrium. The recovery phase occurs when the angle of attack of  the wings drops below the critical angle of attack and  autorotation slows. Then, the nose drops below the spin  pitch attitude and rotation stops. This phase may last  for a quarter turn to several turns. To recover, control  inputs are initiated to disrupt the spin equilibrium by  stopping the rotation and stall. To accomplish spin  recovery, the manufacturer’s recommended procedures  should be followed. In the absence of the manufacturer’s  recommended spin recovery procedures, the following steps  for general spin recovery are recommended: 1.  Position the ailerons to neutral. Ailerons may have an  adverse effect on spin recovery. Aileron control in the  direction of the spin may increase the rate of rotation  and delay the recovery. Aileron control opposite the  direction of the spin may cause the down aileron to  move the wing deeper into the stall and aggravate  the situation. The best procedure is to ensure that the  ailerons are neutral. If the flaps are extended prior to  the spin, they should be retracted as soon as possible  after spin entry. 2.  Apply full opposite rudder against the rotation.  Ensure that full (against the stop) opposite rudder  has been applied. 3.  When rotation stops, apply a positive and brisk,  straightforward movement of the elevator control past  neutral to break the stall. The forceful movement of  the elevator decreases the excessive angle of attack  and breaks the stall. The controls should be held firmly  in this position.  4.  After spin rotation stops, neutralize the rudder. If  the rudder is not neutralized at this time, the ensuing  increased airspeed acting upon a deflected rudder causes  a yawing effect. Slow and overly cautious control  movements during spin recovery must be avoided. In  certain cases, it has been found that such movements  result in the glider continuing to spin indefinitely, even  with antispin inputs. A brisk and positive technique, on  the other hand, results in a more positive spin recovery. 5.  Begin applying back-elevator pressure to raise the  nose to level flight. Caution must be used not to apply  excessive back-elevator pressure after the rotation  stops. Excessive back-elevator pressure can cause a  secondary stall and result in another spin. Care should  be taken not to exceed the G-load limits and airspeed  limitations during recovery. It is important to remember that the above spin recovery  procedures are recommended for use only in the absence of  the manufacturer’s procedures. Before any pilot attempts  to begin spin training, the pilot must be familiar with the  procedures provided by the manufacturer for spin recovery. The most common problems in spin recovery include pilot  confusion in determining the direction of spin rotation and  whether the maneuver is a spin or a spiral. If the airspeed is  increasing, the glider is no longer in a spin but in a spiral.  In a spin, the glider is stalled and the airspeed is at or below  stalling speed. Common errors when encountering/practicing spins include:  •  Failure to clear area before a spin. 8-17 Entry Phase Incipient Phase Developed Phase Recovery Phase