Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Flight Instructor Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your upcoming exam!

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How is a spin characterized?

  1. A slow descent without rotational movement

  2. A rapid descent without any sideways motion

  3. An aggravated stall leading to autorotation in a corkscrew path

  4. A stable flight path with minor adjustments

The correct answer is: An aggravated stall leading to autorotation in a corkscrew path

A spin is characterized as an aggravated stall leading to autorotation in a corkscrew path. During a spin, one wing is more stalled than the other, causing the aircraft to rotate around its vertical axis while simultaneously descending. This rotational motion and descent occur due to an imbalance in lift and drag between the wings. The airplane starts to descend in a spiral due to the differential stall, causing the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly while also rotating. Understanding spins is crucial for pilots because recovering from a spin requires specific techniques to regain control and stabilize the aircraft. The other options do not accurately describe the dynamics and characteristics associated with a spin.