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

What is the first step of the FAA's six-step spin recovery template?

Reduce the throttle to idle.

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  1. Reduce the throttle to idle ✔
  2. Apply full opposite rudder
  3. Push the elevator forward

Why: Power makes a spin worse. It can flatten the spin and speed up the rotation, so the throttle goes to idle first. Ailerons neutral, opposite rudder and forward elevator follow.

Huh, didn't know that: Retract flaps and retractable gear as soon as practicable after spin entry, if they were extended.

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Why did the throttle go to idle during the spin? It needed a minute to stop feeling dizzy.
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References

Answer: Reduce the throttle to idle. Power makes a spin worse. It can flatten the spin and speed up the rotation, so the throttle goes to idle first. Ailerons neutral, opposite rudder and forward elevator follow.

  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
    Reduce the power (throttle) to idle. Power aggravates spin characteristics.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  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
    Rudder tends to be the most important control for recovery in typical single-engine airplanes
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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