Getting ready to do spins for CFI training, which means not only do I get to
perform them, I have to delivery a ground lesson on them first as well, so
I'm gathering all the data I can find.

Information I have says that in a developed spin most light airplanes make a
complete turn and lose 500' about every 3 seconds.

Does anybody have information to the contrary? I haven't done spins since
1990 so I don't remember the numbers exactly.

Check the POH for the plane you're using. My POH for a 1980 C152 suggests
allowing 1000 feet for one turn, 2000 feet for six turns, and planning to
recover above 4000 AGL. For other planes that are not certified for spins, I
agree with Jim that you shouldn't emphasize specific spin characteristics.

I think a great resource for spin instruction is the "Understanding Spins"
video made by Barry Schiff for the "Wonderful World of Flying" series. I show
this to student pilots and CFI candidates before doing spin avoidance or spin
lessons. I bought it a long time ago from Sporty's in VHS as "Volume 1" of
the "Proficient Flying" series, but it looks like now only the full set of 3
DVDs is available:

http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl....ID=7313&DID=19

Barry