What is observed about airspeed during a spiral?

During a spiral, the airspeed is observed to be increasing. This phenomenon occurs due to the combination of a sustained descent and increased bank angle. As the aircraft enters a spiral, the load factor increases, which requires more lift to maintain altitude. However, if the aircraft is not maintaining altitude and is descending instead, the increased bank angle leads to an increase in airspeed as the aircraft loses altitude.

The relationship between the descent rate, bank angle, and the gravitational pull on the aircraft results in a scenario where the aerodynamic forces adjust accordingly, causing the airspeed to rise. Increased airspeed is a critical factor to monitor, as it can lead to a more pronounced aerodynamic stall if not managed properly, emphasizing the need for pilot awareness and control during such flight conditions.

In summary, the dynamics of a spiral result in an increase in airspeed as altitude decreases, driven by the need for increased lift and the effects of the bank angle.