What is a spin characterized by in terms of stall?

A spin is characterized by an uncoordinated stall, which occurs when one wing stalls before the other, leading to a yawing motion and resulting in a rotation around the vertical axis. In this scenario, the aircraft enters a state where one wing is producing less lift due to the stall, while the other wing continues to generate lift, creating a torque effect that causes the airplane to rotate uncontrollably.

During a spin, the pilot typically does not maintain proper coordination (balanced flight), which may result in skidding. This uncoordinated condition exacerbates the stall and contributes to the spin's characteristics. Proper recovery from a spin involves addressing the uncoordinated state and regaining control of the aircraft, typically by using opposite rudder to counteract the yaw and then reducing the angle of attack to recover from the stall.

Understanding this distinction about the nature of the stall in a spin is crucial for pilots, particularly in commercial flight training, as it highlights the importance of coordinated flight and the consequences of uncoordinated maneuvers.