YES, most versions of the C-172 can be spun
Hmmmm. The two POHs I have here for 172s – an FG and an RG – both say otherwise: not approved for spins.
Now, I’m sure they can be spun and recovered, but if you operate as per POH, the answer is no.
Yes, that’s what I meant by my question.
Also, even WITHIN the class a differences training is required, but you are allowed to do that yourself. Any intelligent pilot will let a specialist introduce you to a new type. I know that I would (which implies that i think of myself as an intelligent person, yes :-))
172Driver,
the 1980 F172N POH i own and that’s in front of me says that the airplane is approved for spinning when used as a utility plane (which basically means with nobody in the rear seats). And all 172s I know are like that, and, yes, I’ve spun them.
If I may be picky, it’s not a Differences training, it’s a familiarization which you do yourself, two very different things.
Within the SEP class there are only a few Differences items that require an instructor (CRI or FI).
Tailwheel
Retractable Gear
Turbo
Variable Pitch prop
Single lever power (Thielert basically)
EFIS (Garmin 1000 or equivalent)
Reading the manual doesn’t prepare you for the behavior of the aircraft and it is a wise thing to do to let someone who knows the aircraft well introduce you to it.
Hopefully that’s what happens in most cases.
Yes, familiarization, of course.
Beeing a CRI myself I should have used the right word :-)
But whatever, in real life, as you said, it is only wise to not start on your own but to let an expert show you a new plane
Hey I must get a CRI so I can post in the Instructors forum here with the proper authority 
Sorry Alexis, couldn’t resist… :)
Peter, you should get a CRI or FI so you can provide the sort of training students really need, based on experience!
Someone posted about 200 hr instructors fresh out of school and I couldn’t agree more. I waited 12 years before I thought I had something to add to the mix, and I’m still learning.
Aviation needs people like you and everyone else on the forum, with real world experience and a genuine interest in aviation and aircraft, not just the paycheck and stripes on the shirt.
You have enough authority already :-)
I did the CRI rating when my wife did her PPL … This way I could log the times when we were practicing.
alexisvc
Well – funnily enough – the 1980 172N POH I hold in my hand is a a bit vague about the subject.
It says under Utility Category:
Quote:This airplane is not designed for purely aerobatic flight. However, in the acquisition of various certificates such as commercial pilot and flight instructor, certain maneuvers are required by the FAA. All of these maneuvers are permitted in this airplane when operated in the utility category. End of quote.
Nothing explicit about spinning. However, as spin recovery is part of the CFI (though not CPL) syllabus, this infers that a 1980 C172 may, indeed, be spun as per POH. I stand corrected.
Interestingly, the 172RG is certified only in the Normal category and spins are explicitly prohibited as per POH.
