SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-spin-recovery-ailerons

During a spin recovery, where do you put the ailerons?

Neutral, because ailerons can slow recovery.

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  1. Neutral ✔
  2. Into the spin
  3. Against the spin

Why: Ailerons into the spin can steepen it and delay recovery. Ailerons against it can flatten the spin or even make it unrecoverable. Neutral is the safe answer.

Huh, didn't know that: In a spin the airplane is stalled, so the indicated airspeed should be low and steady. A rising airspeed means the spin is over.

The dad joke
What did the aileron say to the rudder in the spin? You take the lead, I'll stay neutral.
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References

Answer: Neutral. Ailerons into the spin can steepen it and delay recovery. Ailerons against it can flatten the spin or even make it unrecoverable. Neutral is the safe answer.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 5, Maintaining Aircraft Control (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    Position the ailerons to neutral.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 5, Maintaining Aircraft Control (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    In a spin, the airplane is stalled
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 5, Maintaining Aircraft Control (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    Excessive back elevator pressure can cause a secondary stall and may result in another spin.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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