Understanding the difference between sideslips and forward slips
Do winter’s winds have you making more crosswind landings than at other times of the year? That could mean a sideslip, achieved by lowering the upwind wing and then applying opposite rudder to keep the airplane’s fuselage aligned with the extended centerline of the runway you’re approaching. A forward slip is entered the same way, but more aileron is used, so that the airplane’s nose points away from the runway—and additional opposite rudder pressure keeps the flight path (not the fuselage) aligned with the runway. In many aircraft full control deflection will provide an impressive rate of descent, without increasing airspeed (check your POH for any restrictions; for example, newer Cessnas should not be slipped when the flaps are fully extended). The FAA cautions that a forward slip should not be used to lose altitude because of poor planning, but there are times when a forward slip is a very useful tool, including runways with obstructed approaches, late landing clearances, or emergency landings.
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