In April, I discussed spin recovery with ChatGPT, and artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot [Link]. It went like conversations I’ve had with real pilots over the years. Here’s an edited version of the dialogue:
RS: How do you recover from a spin in a general aviation airplane?
AI: Recovering from a spin involves following specific procedures that may vary depending on the aircraft. However, the following are some general steps that can be taken:
1. Identify the spin: A spin is characterized by an uncontrolled, sustained rotation around a vertical axis while the airplane is in a stalled condition.
2. Reduce power: Reduce the power to idle to minimize the airplane's rotational force.
3. Neutralize the controls: Neutralize the ailerons and rudder to stop the rotation. This step is usually accomplished by centralizing the control yoke or stick and stepping on the opposite rudder pedal to the direction of the turn.
4. Apply opposite rudder: Once the rotation has stopped, apply opposite rudder to level the wings and stop the airplane from rolling.
5. Recover from the stall: Once the wings are level, simultaneously reduce the angle of attack by pushing the control yoke or stick forward and add power to increase airspeed.
Pilots should always refer to their aircraft's operating manual for specific procedures. Additionally, pilots should receive proper training in spin recovery techniques from a certified flight instructor.
RS: Steps three, four, and five are incorrect. The generally accepted procedure for recovery from upright spins in typical, light, single engine airplanes is:
1. Power – reduce to idle.
2. Ailerons – neutralize.
3. Rudder – full opposite to the direction of rotation.
4. Elevator – forward.
When rotation stops:
5. Rudder – neutralize.
6. Elevator – easy pull to straight and level flight.
AI: Your steps are accurate and reflect the generally accepted procedure for spin recovery. To summarize:
1. Power – reduce to idle.
2. Ailerons – neutralized.
3. Rudder – full opposite to the direction of rotation.
4. Elevator – forward.
5. Rudder – neutralized once rotation stops.
6. Elevator – easy pull to straight and level flight.
RS: You’re on the right track. This is known as NASA-standard. The first four steps in the procedure form the acronym "PARE," which can be used as a memory aid for the correct sequence of recovery actions.
AI: Yes, the NASA standard spin recovery procedure is widely used and is often referred to as the "PARE" method, which stands for Power, Ailerons, Rudder, and Elevator.
It's important to note that while the PARE method is a widely accepted procedure for recovering from upright spins, the specific procedures may vary depending on the aircraft and the type of spin.
See PARE in action during one of Rich’s live spin demonstrations.[Link]
RS: Accidental inverted spins are rare. Even so, the same sequence of recovery actions applies, with the modification in step four as follows: “Elevator – aft.”
Here’s a more general description for the elevator action in step four: “Elevator – thru neutral.” That covers upright and inverted spins since in the case of an upright spin, "thru neutral" would trigger a "forward elevator" movement. In an inverted spin, "thru neutral" would trigger an "aft elevator" movement.
AI: You are correct that accidental inverted spins are rare but can still occur in some aircraft, and the recovery procedure is different from upright spins. In an inverted spin, the recovery sequence would still follow the PARE acronym, but with a slight modification to step four as follows:
4. Elevator – aft (back pressure) to reduce the angle of attack and prevent a secondary stall.
Alternatively, a more general description of the elevator action could be:
4. Elevator – neutralize and then apply the appropriate control input based on the aircraft's attitude, whether it is an upright or inverted spin.
This approach covers both scenarios, and it is a useful general description of the elevator action during spin recovery.
RS: Your alternative step four is confusing. Better to recommend "thru neutral" rather than "neutralize." Further, your statement "then apply the appropriate control input based on the aircraft's attitude, whether it is an upright or inverted spin" is unnecessary and could lead to further confusion.
AI: You are correct that using the term "thru neutral" would be more appropriate in describing the elevator action. Therefore, a better description would be:
4. Elevator - Thru neutral and then apply the appropriate control input based on the aircraft's attitude.
RS: I recommend deleting "and then apply the appropriate control input based on the aircraft's attitude." Whether the spin was upright or inverted, and assuming it is recoverable either way, the first four steps per PARE will result in the airplane recovering in a nose-down attitude.
AI: Thank you for your recommendation. I agree that the wording "and then apply the appropriate control input based on the aircraft's attitude" may not be necessary since the recovery sequence for upright and inverted spins is the same, up to the elevator input in step four. Therefore, a better description would be:
4. Elevator - Thru neutral.
I hope this updated response provides clearer and more accurate information.
RS: Yes. This will help pilots and flight instructors.
>> This post is based on an interaction between a human and an AI chatbot <<
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