CASA Flight Test spin requirements
Question arises on spin training and assessment by an Examiner . How many turns of the spin must take place before recovery action is deemed to be taken?
The CASA CAAP states:"Normal, utility or aerobatic aircraft certified for intentional spinning have been tested to be recoverable from a six-turn spin. This differs for light sport aircraft, which must have been tested to be recoverable from a three-turn spin, within one and a half turns of the recovery control application prescribed in the aircraft's flight manual."
This suggests the certifying manufacturer's test pilot tested the aircraft to six turns and not beyond. For the CASA Examiner flight test it would seem prudent to limit the number of spin rotations to less than six turns - beyond which has not been tested. What is the point in taking the aircraft right up to the six turn limit during an Examiner flight test where the slightest delay in recovery action takes the aircraft into potentially unknown spinning characteristics? Threat and Error management would surely be a factor in this regard?
A three turn spin should be adequate enough for Examiner assessment and adequate enough for a student to observe normal spin characteristics before recovery action takes place?. Comments appreciated as this appears to have grey areas