Can you guys tell me how do do a simple flat spin, non-inverted. I get alittle crazy if the model is upside down too long, due to getting hit by a big one. Any help? Thanks....Andy

Just get into a normal spin, and slowly take the aileron out and add a few clicks of throttle. With some planes you'll need opposite aileron to really get it flat. You'll also want lots of elevator travel and a rear CG.

I do them like this:

Cut throttle to 1/4
Full up elevator, full left rudder
Let spin 3 or 4 revolutions
SLOWLY input right aileron until you're inputting full right aileron
By the time you get to full right aileron, it should be a full, flat, upright spin.

This has to be one of my favorite tricks. My Pizazz takes 1 full revolution after all sticks have been released to stop spinning though, so start high. I've heard some planes need additional inputs to come out of them.

Reid

Yep, exactly what Reid said, but to increase the speed of the spin when flattened I slowly add throttle around the same time I'm adding opposite aileron. Sometimes if you add too much opposite aileron the plane will 'fall out' of the spin.

Some planes (like my friend's Somethin' Extra) simply don't like to flat spin regardless of CG, throws, etc. Other will flat spin well, but take long to recover or even worse, never recover at all and spin all the way to terra firma. My over-powered Fazer will totally stop decending during an upright flat spin and will climb during an inverted flat spin.

Inverted flat spins are done with full down elevator, full right rudder to initiate the spin, then add right aileron and power. Once you get this nailed, it's time to try some blenders! Whee!

These maneuvers take some getting used to, but aren't that difficult and should be in every competent pilot's bag of tricks. Plus, they look really cool.

-Tom