So the AFM statement about "including spins" is a standard statement and does not mean that the aircraft was not spun in flight test. I am not privy to the Cirrus Cirrus certification data but I can tell you that Piper airplanes have the same statement in the AFM's and they were ALL spun, even the twins. That info is straight from the retired chief designer, who is my neighbor. We have had some very interesting discussions on spinning the twin engine aircraft. Anyway, the manufacturer puts that statement in the AFM so that YOU will not try to spin the aircraft. But the flight test department likely did over 100 spins before putting that statement on the panel and in the AFM.

I should note that up through 2 turns, as spin is "incipient" and only becomes fully developed after about turn 3. So the requirement is be recoverable from an incipient spin. Now spins are an interesting topic all its own and we can go on and on for a long time.

That said, I will agree that stalling and spinning below pattern altitude hardly ever has a good outcome.

Now if Steve is looking for design ideas for spin resistant AND rugged, I would suggest looking at the Velocity canard. I think that was the one that got stuck in the nose high attitude, the pilot looked at the rate of descent, and he chose NOT to use his parachute, but rather ride it down into the ocean, where it seemed to make an acceptable boat until help arrived. Very interesting episode of both aerodynamics and pilot judgement.

Best of luck,

Wes
N78PS