Definition
The specific control inputs a pilot makes to stop a spin and return the airplane to normal flight. The standard sequence is to reduce the throttle to idle, neutralize the ailerons, apply full rudder opposite the direction of the spin, and then briskly move the elevator control forward to break the stall. After rotation stops, the rudder is neutralized and the airplane is recovered from the resulting dive.
Plain English
The set of stick and pedal movements you make to get the airplane out of a spin: power off, ailerons centered, rudder pushed the opposite way the airplane is spinning, then forward on the stick to break the stall, then level out.
Context Anchor
Seen in spin awareness, spin recovery training, and the recovery procedure section of an airplane’s operating handbook.
Derivation
"Anti-" comes from Greek meaning "against" or "opposite to." So anti-spin control deflections are simply control movements made against the spin -- inputs designed to oppose and stop the rotation rather than allow it to continue.
Why Pilots Care
Applying the correct anti-spin deflections is essential to stop the spin promptly and recover without excessive altitude loss or structural stress.
Grounding Statement
In a spin recovery, the pilot is not just moving the controls randomly; the controls are placed in specific positions to stop the rotation and reduce the stall.
Intuition Check
Anti-spin does not mean “move every control opposite the spin.” It means use the approved recovery control positions for that airplane, especially the correct rudder and elevator inputs.
Example Sentence 1
After confirming the direction of rotation, the pilot applied the anti-spin control deflections in sequence and the airplane recovered within one turn.
Example Sentence 2
During spin training the instructor emphasized that anti-spin control deflections must be held until rotation stops before beginning the recovery pull-up.