Definition
A spin maneuver in which the airplane completes one full 360-degree rotation around its vertical axis in the developed (autorotative) phase before recovery is initiated. It is used as a basic introduction to spin training, allowing the pilot to recognize entry, the developed spin, and the recovery sequence in a short, controlled exercise.
Plain English
A practice spin where the airplane is allowed to rotate one full circle before the pilot applies the recovery inputs.
Context Anchor
Seen in intentional spin training, spin demonstrations, and discussions of how long a training spin is allowed to continue before recovery.
Why Pilots Care
Practicing one-turn spins builds the skills needed to recognize and recover from an unintentional spin with minimal altitude loss.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane’s nose rotating all the way around once while the airplane is stalled and descending; after that one circle, recovery begins.
Intuition Check
A one-turn spin is not a normal 360-degree level turn. It is a stalled, descending rotation, and the “one turn” refers to one full rotation during the spin.
Example Sentence 1
During spin training, the instructor demonstrated a one-turn spin and then talked the student through the recovery on the second attempt.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot recovered from the one-turn spin by applying opposite rudder and reducing power.