Which statement about spin entry is true?

• A. A spin occurs when the aircraft is stalled
• B. A spin requires a fully clean configuration
• C. A spin cannot occur at high altitude
• D. A spin requires maximum engine power

Answer: (A)

Spin entry happens when the wing stalls. When the wing reaches the critical angle of attack, lift collapses and the wing becomes very draggy. If uncoordinated rudder and control inputs are present, one wing stalls more than the other, the stalled wing’s drag and the yaw cause the airplane to rotate about its vertical axis, creating a spin. So, the statement that a spin occurs when the aircraft is stalled is true. Spins don’t require a fully clean configuration and can happen in dirty configurations too. They can occur at high altitude, though recovery characteristics change with altitude. And maximum engine power isn’t required for a spin; spins can occur with various power settings, including power off.