I'm still learning but I'll share what I've experienced. My first true flatspin (with my MidStar) ended in a belly-flop crash causing minimal damage - bent landing gear, cracked wing saddle and other misc. stuff. I didn't realize then that in order to get out of a flat spin requires more than just neutralizing all the controls! I later found out that at least one of the three methods to follow should be applied in order to recover (assuming you have the altitude!): 1] Opposite rudder, 2] Down Elevator and, 3] Power! It may require a little of all three to recover but, as I said, I'm still learning. In order to get into the flat spin, the plane should be in a standard nose down spin (ie: same rudder/aileron, up elevator) with about 1/3rd power. Once the spin has been established, begin feeding opposite aileron while keeping the rudder and elevator as before. This should flatten the spin right out assuming you have a fairly aerobatic plane which also has the CG set a little aft of normal. My latest experiences with my little Lanier Extra 3.25 has been that this plane spins and flat spins very nicely - almost without having to think about it. However, once well into the spin, if I let go of the sticks the plane will continue to spin and would probably do so all the way to the ground. I've learned in order to get out of it was to apply opposite rudder which usually will arrest the spin after a few revs. If not, keep opposite rudder and apply power as well as some down elevator and that should clear you out. The trick that I had to figure out was to keep cool and not go dumb-thumbed and freak out. AND, having the altitude helps also!!

Ted