Accelerated Spins

[justrhines]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice on accelerated spins. I am having a difficult time in the Super Decathlon getting a spin to accelerate from a normal, fully developed spin. As is the usual procedure with most aerobatic planes, I typically wait a few turns until fully developed, then apply full opposite aileron and some forward stick. However, the spin just does not want to accelerate.

Any tips from veteran accelerated spinners?

 

[Bartman]

I might be wrong but won't a spin accelerate with forward stick pressure and neutral ailerons? Ailerons ought to be neutral throughout a normal spin entry/exit but you probably knew that?

Opposite aileron would flatten the spin, the opposite of tightening it, but I could be wrong.

 

[justrhines]

Thanks Bart,

Typically full out-spin aileron will work to equalize the lift of the wings and flatten the spin as you mention. The increased drag of the down aileron also will increase the in-spin yaw and will accelerate the spin. Forward stick provides aerodynamic shielding of the vertical stab and further accelerates the spin. Of course, neutralizing the ailerons on exit is a must.

I will try just forward stick, no out-spin aileron and see how it reacts. I am familiar with many using out-spin aileron to accelerate in different aerobatic platforms. Could be the Decathlon reacts differently.

Justin

 

[Bartman]

a couple of guys were talking about spins at the last contest I was at. the one was saying he instructs students to apply forward stick without letting up on the rudder to show how the spin will actually tighten as a way to emphasize that pitch isn't the key to exiting a spin. I've read one exit technique that said moving the stick forward towards neutral or slightly forward will unblank the rudder (on some airplanes) making rudder input more effective for the exit but I doubt it would be noticeable to most of us given the oversize nature of our rudders and the higher speeds we're talking about at a spin exit.

have fun, be careful, let us know how it works out for you.
Bart