SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-spin-opposite-rudder

Which rudder input stops rotation in the FAA's generic spin recovery?

Apply full opposite rudder briskly.

Start playing free

  1. Rudder with the rotation
  2. Full rudder opposite rotation ✔
  3. Alternating rudder inputs

Why: Opposite rudder fights the yaw that sustains spin rotation. The FAA says to apply it briskly and hold it until rotation stops.

Huh, didn't know that: Slow, cautious opposite rudder can allow a spin to continue despite anti-spin input.

The dad joke
Why did the rudder disagree? It knew opposition had direction.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Full rudder opposite rotation. Opposite rudder fights the yaw that sustains spin rotation. The FAA says to apply it briskly and hold it until rotation stops.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 5 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    Apply and hold full opposite rudder against the rotation until the rotation stops.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesAfter reducing power in a spin, where should the ailerons be?Flying & DronesWhat should happen to the rudder when spin rotation stops?Flying & DronesWhich primary flight control correctly matches its airplane motion?

That's stuff everyone should know.