I think back to my helicopter training (yeah, nothing to do with spin entry) where my very experienced instructor built my confidence by calmly demonstrating some maneuvers which seemed like dark corners to me, and allowed me to build confidence myself.
I had a brief read of the referenced AC. Yes, it originates from the FAA, but obviously not the Aircraft Certification branch of the FAA. The AC contains:
The part of the FAA which certifies planes follows the requirement:In an airplane with an extremely aft CG, very light back elevator control forces may lead to inadvertent stall entries and if a spin is entered, the balance of forces on the airplane may result in a flat spin. Recovery from a flat spin is often impossible.
Note that I was taught that the standard is "unrecoverable" where the standard states "uncontrollable", but the intent is the same. The plane will not be certified if a spin can be entered and not recovered. Yes, an aft C of G is going to get you a flatter spin, but if you're within the C of G limits, it'll be recoverable.Sec. 23.221
Spinning.
(a) Normal category. A single-engine, normal category airplane must be able to recover from a one-turn spin in not more than one additional turn, with the controls used in the manner normally used for recovery. In addition--
(1) For both the flaps-retracted and flaps-extended conditions, the applicable airspeed limit and positive limit maneuvering load factor may not be exceeded;
(2) There may be no excessive back pressure during the spin or recovery; and
(3) It must be impossible to obtain uncontrollable spins with any use of the controls.
I think back to a number of memorable 172 crashes, with three or four new pilots/friends flying together. maybe the pilot said hey let's try.... and spun it. A 172, even as a four seats occupied normal category plane will still be spin recoverable as long as within C of G limits, but it won't be easy as it was when loaded to the utility category limits.
Certified normal and utility category planes have been shown to meet all of the certification requirements, and those are described in the limitations and flight manual. Everything described as a normal procedure/maneuver has been shown to be able to be flown "without requiring unusual pilot skill nor attention', so I expect that a pilot licensed to fly that plane should be able fly that maneuver, at least safely - including spins.
I personally disagree with removing at least a spin entry demonstration from the training standards. I agree that a spin should be approached as an quasi aerobatic maneuver, but it is within the limitations for most utility category airplanes. I consider spin recovery training about like tailwheel training, get it if you can, it'll make you better at flying any airplane, whether you ever spin or wheel land again or not.....