Which statement is true when recovering from a spin and positioning controls to neutral?

When recovering from a spin, it is essential to ensure that the elevator is positioned correctly. The statement regarding the commonality of accidentally placing the elevator aft of neutral highlights a crucial point in spin recovery procedures. In a spin, the pilot's instinct might lead them to pull back on the elevator in an attempt to regain control, which can unintentionally lead the elevator to move beyond the neutral position.

Proper spin recovery involves knowing that applying forward pressure on the stick can initiate the recovery process. The neutral position of the controls is critical; however, the challenge arises from the instinctive reactions under stress. Understanding this aspect is crucial for a safe recovery from spins, as maintaining proper control input is vital to prevent exacerbating the spin or delaying recovery.

Although other options reference important elements of spin recovery, the acceptable practice emphasizes the awareness surrounding the control inputs and the common pitfalls pilots may face during high-stress situations like a spin.