What is the primary recovery action when a glider enters a spin?

When a glider enters a spin, the primary recovery action involves applying opposite rudder and forward control stick. This technique is essential because a spin occurs when one wing stalls more than the other, causing the aircraft to rotate about its vertical axis. To break the spin, the pilot needs to counteract the yawing motion induced by the stalled wing.

By applying opposite rudder, the pilot helps to stop the rotation. Simultaneously, moving the control stick forward decreases the angle of attack on both wings, allowing airflow to re-establish over the wings and helping to transition out of the spin. This coordinated action is critical to regain control of the glider safely and efficiently.

Other options do not effectively address the recovery from a spin. Pulling back on the control stick would increase the angle of attack, perpetuating the stall and spin. Increasing engine thrust is generally irrelevant to glider operation since they typically lack engines, and even if they had, accelerating in a spin could worsen the situation. Reducing altitude rapidly does not directly contribute to recovery from a spin, and focusing on altitude changes during such an emergency could detract from effectively managing the aircraft's recovery.