What is the danger of having flaps extended during a spin?

When flaps are extended during a spin, they can significantly alter the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. The primary concern is that extending flaps increases the angle of attack and can lead to a situation where the airplane is less responsive to control inputs. This can result in a flatter spin, which is characterized by an increased horizontal component of the spin. This makes it more difficult for a pilot to recover from the spin because the aircraft may require additional control input to overcome the reduced effectiveness of control surfaces in this configuration.

Furthermore, in a spin with flaps extended, the combination of increased drag and altered airflow can lead to an unpredictable spin rate, complicating recovery procedures and diminishing the pilot's ability to regain control effectively. Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots to ensure safety during flight operations, particularly during recovery training and spins.