On 2/5/2014 9:19 PM, OneTango wrote:
This is a voluntary pop quiz.

You're circling in a 30 degree left bank at 3000 AGL.

You hear a thunk and the glider enters a spin. Your practiced spin
recovery technique does not work in the usual amount of time. You look in
the direction of the thunk and see that the left spoiler is full open, you
confirm that the spoiler control handle is in the fully closed position. A
quick look confirms that the right spoiler is full closed.

What do you do next? Why did the left spoiler pop open. What just
happened?

As others have said: 1) unstall the wing (reduce angle of attack/stick
forward); 2) recover from the spin/rotation (SOP per ship); 3) verify
condition; 4) (if necessary) implement "situation plan" A (or B or C,
depending on actual circumstances).

After landing - do spend a few moments congratulating yourself for being
prepared and for handling the situation correctly/safely.

This is the sort of "mental scenario playing" that can be time well spent,
indeed. Winter need not be all bad!!!

Bob W.