Technique: The forward slip

Maybe that’s because the main ingredient of a forward slip is a cross-controlled airplane. Generally, we are taught to avoid cross-controlling an airplane. But in a forward slip, we cross-control, safely, for a very good reason: to steepen the airplane’s descent angle to clear an obstruction on final. That’s really helpful at short, obstructed runways. A forward slip can be an essential skill for engine-out, off-field landings.

Before practicing a forward slip, consult the pilot’s operating handbook. Some Cessna models prohibit or urge caution when performing a forward slip with full flaps. Warn passengers when you’re about to perform a slip. They’ll be alarmed if they don’t know you’re flying this way for a reason.

Airman certification standards

Task M. Forward Slip to a Landing

Objective
To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a forward slip to a landing.

Knowledge
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• Concepts of energy management during a forward slip approach.
• Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
• Wind correction techniques during forward slip approaches.
• When and why a forward slip approach is used.

Risk Management
The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• Selection of runway or approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
• Effects of:
  a. Crosswind
  b. Wind shear
  c. Tailwind
  d. Wake turbulence
  e. Runway surface/condition

• Abnormal operations, to include planning for rejected landing and go-around.
• Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• Low altitude maneuvering/stall/spin.
• Distractions, loss of situational awareness, and/or improper task management.
• Forward slip operations, including fuel flowage, tail stalls with flaps, and lack of airspeed control.

Skills
The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• Complete the appropriate checklist.
• Make radio calls as appropriate.
• Plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions.
• Select the most suitable touchdown point based on wind, landing surface, obstructions, and aircraft limitations.
• Position airplane on downwind leg, parallel to landing runway.
• Correctly configure the airplane.
• As necessary, correlate crosswind with direction of forward slip and transition to side slip for landing. Touch down within -0/+400 feet from the specified touchdown point with minimum side drift.