Spin training for US pilots?

On Wednesday, June 5, 2013 9:12:56 AM UTC-4, K wrote:
On Tuesday, June 4, 2013 9:51:31 AM UTC-6, Martin Eiler wrote:



Recently we saw a pilot upgrade in performance to an ASW20.



In spite of at least 3 instructors telling him he needed to get spin



training before flying that glider. The new owner has chosen to ignore



their recommendations.



Actually, If a pilot were to blow off spin training, A 20 is a good ship to own because it does not spin readily. More likely (Depending on the CG) it will enter into a steep spiral. The thing we need to remember is that it is not necessarily spins that cause accidents, It is the lack of recognition that does. This was addressed in the video that Sean posted. The goal of training should be to recognize and avoid spins in the first place and not just on spin recovery.

I disagree with this. Depending on wing tips, rigging, sealing and CG, the 20 can be a pussycat or it can be downright feral. Even when tamed with good winglets and proper set up, enough provocation will result in a spin. Since the pilot that can't be bothered to take a lesson probably isn't any better on inspections, W&B, rigging & sealing, presuming that his '20 is of the domestic variety might be a mistake.

I'd suggest that now would be a good time for an intervention of sorts. Kidnap the offender on a Saturday morning and cart him off to an appointment with a qualified CFIG.

My $0.02.

T8 (ASW-20B)