On Sunday, January 20, 2013 12:36:33 PM UTC-5, Jim Crawford wrote:

I wonder about this 'benign spiral' recovery. I had never heard of this
before (UK pilot) and was briefed on it when flying at Minden. After a
first rate wave flight I set up the aircraft for a benign spiral in clear
air to try it out. I was particularly interested as I was flying an LS4,
identical to my own in thw UK. I could not find a spiral which did not
start to speed up and roll in. What gives?

I understand that benign spiral only works on some aircraft under some weight and balance conditions. It works well for me on a Blanik L-23 with fully open spoilers. Insert classic 'your mileage will vary' disclaimer.