What is the first stage of a spin?

The first stage of a spin is described as the incipient stage. During this phase, the aircraft begins to lose control authority as one wing experiences a higher angle of attack than the other and begins to stall. The incipient stage occurs right after the aircraft has entered a stall condition and before it reaches a fully developed spin.

In this stage, the aircraft is still transitioning from a stalled flight to a spin, and control inputs can still recover the aircraft if addressed promptly. Understanding this stage is critical for pilots, especially during flight instruction, as it emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs and taking corrective action before a spin develops fully. This knowledge is vital for safety and effective handling of potential spin situations.