Spin Training

About two weeks ago, I got to do my first of two spin lessons for my flight course. The first lesson, I had to complete multiple spins with an authorized instructor. For the second lesson, I have to teach proper spin entry and recovery to that authorized instructor. I'm hoping to complete that second lesson in the next couple weeks, as long as the North Dakota weather complies. Normally, students do these lessons in one of the two Decathlons that UND has. When I went to do this lesson, both of these aircraft were in maintenance. I ended up doing this lesson in a Cessna 172. I loved being able to do this flight in the same type of aircraft I did my first flight in. This reminded me of how far I've come, and how all the hours put in to my aviation goals have been worth it.

Once we were up in the air, I was nervous. I had never done a spin before, and all of my training had taught me how dangerous they were. When done properly with the correct aircraft and authorized instructor, that risk is diminished. I had to remind myself that it was safe, and that I needed to get this flight done for my flight course. Once we did the first spin, I was shocked. I expected a greater G force feeling, but this feeling didn't come until the recovery portion. I was also shocked at how nose down we were, since I had never experienced that in the aircraft. The spins were scary, but also a lot of fun. Once we were done, the instructor had me land the plane. I hadn't flown a Cessna 172 in years, but it was just like riding a bike. After we landed and parked, I was sad that it was over. While it was terrifying, it was also super exhilarating. I can't wait to go back up and do this lesson again, this time to teach spins.