Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

In spin recovery, what is the first action you should take?

1. Neutralize ailerons

2. Apply full opposite rudder

3. Close the throttle

4. Move the elevator forward

The correct answer is: Close the throttle

The first action to take in spin recovery is to close the throttle. When an aircraft is in a spin, reducing power helps to reduce the lift generated by the wings and can assist in stabilizing the aircraft. This is important because applying power can exacerbate spin characteristics due to increased torque and yaw, which can make recovery more difficult. Closing the throttle decreases the engine's effect on the aerodynamics of the aircraft and allows for a more controlled recovery process. In the context of spin recovery, following the closure of the throttle, the subsequent actions typically include neutralizing the ailerons, applying full opposite rudder to counteract the spin, and then moving the elevator forward to break the stalls. Each of these actions plays a role in effectively recovering from the spin, but the first crucial step is to close the throttle to mitigate power effects and contribute to a safer recovery.