Soar to New Heights with the 2025 Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam – Ready for Takeoff!

The first step in the recommended recovery procedure from a spin is to reduce the power to idle. This action is crucial because reducing engine power helps to minimize the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft and allows the wings to regain lift more effectively. When the power is reduced, it helps to stop the increased yaw or rotation typically associated with a spin, facilitating a more stable environment for recovery.

In a spin, the aircraft is in a stalled condition and is rotating around its vertical axis, which requires specific actions to return to controlled flight. By reducing power to idle, the pilot eliminates any additional thrust that could exacerbate the spin and sets the stage for the next steps in the recovery process to regain control of the aircraft.

The other options would not aid in the effective recovery from a spin. For example, positioning the ailerons to full deflection could potentially worsen the spin because aileron input during a stall can increase the adverse yaw effect, further complicating recovery. Similarly, reducing the power to maximum or increasing the throttle quickly would likely enhance the spin or extend the duration of the stall, making recovery more challenging.