Spin recovery vs tail design

Thanks to all who have contributed to answering my original question. I
am especially interested in the comments about the ASK-21, especially in
reference to changes in how it behaves as the spin continues through more
than one or two turns.

The short answer is: With all legal loading it recovers by the book from
as many turns as your or your student's wallet allows.

The somewhat longer answer is that usually it recovers in less than half
a turn, but in certain special circumstances recovery may take up to two
turns. This will frighten you if you aren't prepared, but the ASK *will*
eventually recover. Some people will tell you that the ASK may bite you;
actually, it will not, but probably those people have experienced a
longer than expected recovery delay. (Or more probably have been told
the story from somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody...)

The longest answer is that a long time ago there has been a spin
accident with a cadet of the USAF academy. Subsequently the USAF topk
the ASK 21 through a thorough spin test program, in which they found
what I wrote above. Schleicher will probably send you a copy of the 120
page report if you kindly ask them.


One more thing: Outward ailerons will flatten the spin considerably
which doesn't help on recovery. I've never tried whether it will recover
at all from that flat attitude.