CFI Spin Proficiency Initiative
Thanks to generous support from the Ellsworth Hovey Getchell Foundation, Foothill Flight Center is proud to launch the CFI Spin Proficiency Initiative — a specialized spin training program designed to enhance flight safety and instructor confidence for 50 Northern California Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs).
✈️ Better-trained instructors create safer pilots.
Spin awareness and recovery training remains one of the most valuable — and often underutilized — components of aviation education. Through this initiative, participating CFIs will gain hands-on experience, increased confidence, and practical skills they can carry forward to every student they teach.
This program reflects a shared commitment between Foothill Flight Center and the Getchell Foundation to:
Promote aviation safety
Support excellence in flight instruction
Invest in the next generation of pilots and educators
Develop stronger, more confident aviators
Whether you’re a newly certificated instructor or a seasoned CFI looking to sharpen your skills, the CFI Spin Proficiency Initiative is focused on raising the standard of instruction and making the skies safer for everyone.
Program Details
For just $100, participating CFIs will receive:
Ground - 1 hour
· Review of recent stall/spin accident data
· Review AC 61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness Training
· Deep dive on stall and spin aerodynamics and aircraft motion at high angles of attack
· Discussion on scenarios and situations that lead to stall/spin accidents and how to develop recognition and prevention of these realistic stall/spin situations.
Flight - 1 hour
· Stall and yaw awareness while maneuvering
· Stall and yaw awareness in the traffic pattern
· Departure/Go-around stall and yaw awareness
· Incipient spin entry recoveries – scenario based
· Developed spin dynamics and recoveries
All participants will also receive a flight review.
Total value: over $400
Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
Loss of Control - Inflight (LOC-I) continues to be the leading cause of General Aviation fatal accidents. To prevent LOC-I accidents, pilots need to understand the causes and contributing factors that lead to loss of control. Pilots also need in-airplane training that will help them recognize those situations that can lead to loss of control and the proper recovery techniques if an upset does occur.
Our training program includes a strong focus on the academics to understand and prevent upsets, and in-airplane upset prevention and recovery training.
Spin Training
Train with us to achieve instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures. You’ll know that you really earned your 14 CFR 61.187(i) endorsement and be ready to prepare and train the next generation of pilots on stall and spin awareness.
We also offer spin training to any pilot who wants to become competent and confident in stall and spin recoveries.
Aerobatics
Energy Management. Become a better pilot. Explore all corners of the airplane’s envelope. Improve your stick and rudder skills.
There are many reasons to learn aerobatics. Our basic aerobatic course will build your knowledge, understanding and skills. Come learn how to perform Wingovers, Rolls, Loops, Spins and more in our Citabria 7ECA.
Tailwheel Training
Our Tailwheel Endorsement training program is designed to help you achieve proficiency. We’ve structured the training around five flights, with each lesson developing your skills and building confidence in your ability. You can expect about 4.0 hours of ground instruction and 10.5 hours of flight instruction during this course.
Become a better pilot. Learn the true meaning of ‘stick and rudder flying’.