Here in the States the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requires that a pilot, in order to maintain their license as current, take a review and proficiency check flight with a current CFIA (Certified Flight Instructor Airplane) every two years.

Having not done that since 1989 I’m about, well exactly 18 years out of currency. Having decided this is a bad thing I just started reviewing the current FAR-AIM ( Federal Aviation Regulations – Aeronautical Information Manual) with the anticipation of getting my Commercial-Instrument ticket current next spring.

Being a former CFIA I’m recalling vivid memories of doing fun things with a Cessna 152; like dropping it earthward in a rapid spiraling motion known commonly as a spin and to the initiated as … well this is a public forum; we’ll leave that to imaginations.

The following is the best video I have ever seen on the topic. This is a then CFIA candidate getting his “signoff” for having completed spin recovery training. To get the “outside” view of what is taking place here jump to 4:18 into the video. To Vitus, Gary and John — Great work, guys. This video rocks!

(The aircraft is a Cessna 172 – US Registration N2129C)