(Mark James Boyd) wrote in message news:40288f58$1@darkstar...
W.J. \(Bill\) Dean \(U.K.\). wrote:

"As this training progresses, it is necessary to introduce brief
spins where
the ground is noticeably close.

This reminds me of the old FAA requirement to practice twin engine-out
procedures (Vmc demonstration) at low altitudes during multiengine
training, the reasoning being the low performance of the existing
twin-engined trainers required a low altitude in order to have any
single-engine climb available to show. Apparently, this killed a LOT
of pilots due to stall spins at low altitude in light twins - not fun
with an engine caged! - until the FAA decided that the cure was a lot
worse than the disease.

Sure, with a really experienced instructor, and a really trusted
glider, a low altitude spin could be "safely" demonstrated. But I'm
not totally convinced that it is necessary for the lesson to sink in.
OTOH, in the context of spin training, it is absolutely vital to beat
into the students head the nasty impact (pun intended) of a surprise
low altitude departure.

You guys (the Brits) can possibly get away with it, due to much more
standardization (a good thing). I would hate to see it adopted in the
US, where standardization is a one of dem big woids we aint learnd in
skool.

How about our French, German, Dutch, etc. colleagues - How low do you
teach (or demonstrate; not necessarily the same thing) low altitude
spin entries?

BTW, don't forget 1812 (we still need to burn 10 Downling Street) and
Suez (Now there was a virtuous war!). Just joking, we love you man!

Kirk