What is it + How To: Forward Slip
The objective of this maneuver is to provide a safe method in which a pilot can increase the rate of descent while on the final approach without gaining additional airspeed in the process. Being able to properly perform this maneuver will enable a pilot to return to the desired approach path in a safe and controlled manner. In those instances where they find themselves higher than they should be.
In order to perform a forward slip to a landing, ensure that your flaps are at the final setting and the throttle is in the off position. Begin the slip by providing aileron input to lower a wing and using full rudder input in the opposite direction and forward pressure on the yoke to lower the nose in a crosswind condition always bank into the wind. By cross-controlling the flight controls, the airplane's longitudinal axis will be at an angle to the flight path, resulting an additional drag being generated. Because of this high drag configuration, it is important that the nose of the airplane be lowered more than normal so that the airplane does not get too slow. Adjust your bank angle so that you continue to track towards the runway along the extended center line. If the plane begins to drift upwind of the cent line, reduce the bank. If the plane begins to drift downwind of the center line, increase the bank angle. Keeping the rudder fully deflected throughout the slip makes it easier to find the right amount of bank to correct for wind drift. It will also result in the maximum descent rate possible for that airplane configuration.
You can recognize a properly performed slip by the airplane's attitude and well as the sound of the airflow and flight control.
During a forward slip the airspeed is controlled by the pitch, so if the airplane slows below the desired approach speed, push forward on the yoke to lower the nose and increase the airspeed. If the airspeed is faster than desired, raise the nose gradually until the plane is stabilized at the appropriate speed. Be aware that as your airspeed increases and decreases the control surface effectiveness will change and you will have to adjust your bank and rudder inputs to maintain your ground track along the extended runway center line. Once you have intercepted your desired glide path and prior to commencing the round out, discontinue the slip and complete the appropriate approach and landing procedure. Remember, if you have a crosswind, don't take all of the rudder and bank out just enough to transition to a side-slip. It is also important to remember that because of the decrease in drag as you remove the slip, you may have a tendency to float during the flare.
A pilot should not become reliant on performing forward slips on every approach they make and they should never be used in an attempt to salvage an unstabilized approach. However, there will be those instances where a forward slip to a landing done correctly can get you back on the appropriate approach path safely and effectively.
The objective of this maneuver is to provide a safe method in which a pilot can increase the rate of descent while on the final approach without gaining additional airspeed in the process. Being able to properly perform this maneuver will enable a pilot to return to the desired approach path in a safe and controlled manner. In those instances where they find themselves higher than they should be.
In order to perform a forward slip to a landing, ensure that your flaps are at the final setting and the throttle is in the off position. Begin the slip by providing aileron input to lower a wing and using full rudder input in the opposite direction and forward pressure on the yoke to lower the nose in a crosswind condition always bank into the wind. By cross-controlling the flight controls, the airplane's longitudinal axis will be at an angle to the flight path, resulting an additional drag being generated. Because of this high drag configuration, it is important that the nose of the airplane be lowered more than normal so that the airplane does not get too slow. Adjust your bank angle so that you continue to track towards the runway along the extended center line. If the plane begins to drift upwind of the cent line, reduce the bank. If the plane begins to drift downwind of the center line, increase the bank angle. Keeping the rudder fully deflected throughout the slip makes it easier to find the right amount of bank to correct for wind drift. It will also result in the maximum descent rate possible for that airplane configuration.
You can recognize a properly performed slip by the airplane's attitude and well as the sound of the airflow and flight control.
During a forward slip the airspeed is controlled by the pitch, so if the airplane slows below the desired approach speed, push forward on the yoke to lower the nose and increase the airspeed. If the airspeed is faster than desired, raise the nose gradually until the plane is stabilized at the appropriate speed. Be aware that as your airspeed increases and decreases the control surface effectiveness will change and you will have to adjust your bank and rudder inputs to maintain your ground track along the extended runway center line. Once you have intercepted your desired glide path and prior to commencing the round out, discontinue the slip and complete the appropriate approach and landing procedure. Remember, if you have a crosswind, don't take all of the rudder and bank out just enough to transition to a side-slip. It is also important to remember that because of the decrease in drag as you remove the slip, you may have a tendency to float during the flare.
A pilot should not become reliant on performing forward slips on every approach they make and they should never be used in an attempt to salvage an unstabilized approach. However, there will be those instances where a forward slip to a landing done correctly can get you back on the appropriate approach path safely and effectively.