The PT3 recovery maneuver is something I have my students practice every flight; we go through the motions during the normal release from tow. Doing this each flight makes the mechanical skills practically automatic.

I tried to come up with a mnemonic to use during practice. Since SH%# is the most likely word one would say following an actual PT3, I tried to come up with something that works with that word. I could not come up with something for each letter.

So, I settled on a cleaner version of that four-letter word: RATS.

Release, release
Airspeed
Turn
Spoilers

By the way, during a Region 9 contest at Hobbs a number of years ago, I had a real PT3 at about 150' AGL. When the mechanical procedures are well established, the recovery maneuver is made easier.

Practicing the PT3 maneuver is important.

Raul Boerner