Master Certified Flight Instructor Emeritus

Unusual attitude training begins with the prime directive, the first fundamental, job number one of piloting an airplane – Do not make the airplane stall. Stall recognition, stall recovery and stall avoidance is the commonality of upset and spin recovery. In this four part series, Jim Alsip Master CFI-Aerobatic presents the basics of airmanship and how to recover unusual attitudes. Part I deals with stalls; In Part II, a top rudder maneuver recovers nose low attitudes; going ballistic is the theme of Part III and everything comes together in the final Part IV – spin recovery. This series should be watched in order 1 – 4. The term “top rudder” describes the top rudder pedal, the high pedal when an airplane is in a bank. A maneuver using top rudder pedal, full aileron in the same direction and neutral elevator is the definitive skill set of an accomplished stick and rudder pilot. Whether recovering a steep turn, turning base to finial, recovering from an upset to inverted, or recovering from a stall / spin event, this maneuver described simply as top rudder is a pilot skill that will set you apart from less skilled aviators. In the event of an unintended upset or loss of control incident, using top rudder will save your life.

Unusual attitude training begins with the prime directive, the first fundamental, job number one of piloting an airplane – Do not make the airplane stall. Stall recognition, stall recovery and stall avoidance is the commonality of upset and spin recovery. In this four part series, Jim Alsip Master CFI-Aerobatic presents the basics of airmanship and how to recover unusual attitudes. Part I deals with stalls; In Part II, a top rudder maneuver recovers nose low attitudes; going ballistic is the theme of Part III and everything comes together in the final Part IV – spin recovery. The series should be watched in order 1 – 4. Airplanes do not stall. Pilots cause airplanes to stall. Stall recovery is easy – just stop what you are doing. That statement is profound in its simplicity; so profound, so simple that too many pilots do not accept that life-saving advice. They try to make it something more complex.

Why are tailwheel pilots generally smiling? Could it be they are having more fun? Maybe tailwheel airplanes are more fun to fly. Flying a tailwheel airplane will make you a better pilot. Consider improving your stick and rudder skills, fly with greater confidence and have more fun! Master Airmanship; Become a great stick; Earn a tailwheel endorsement. If you want to learn more about flying a taildragger, visit my web site dylanaviation.com and review my book Flying the Tailwheel Airplane.

The Dutch Roll is the definitive stick and rudder skill. In this Hangar Talk video, Jim Alsip, Master CFI, explains how to perform this maneuver. Master the Dutch Roll and you will be a good stick, a great flyer, an airman.