Throughout our training, we are required to perform a side slip and a forward slip maneuver during landing training. Though they have several similarities, they are used for two different phases of landing. Here is a brief explanation as to how a side slip and a forward slip are different.
First, before we explain how they are different let’s define what they are. A slip is an aerodynamic cross-controlled condition of uncoordinated flight. It is when you turn the ailerons in one direction and your rudder controls in the opposite direction.
A side slip is simply defined as slipping the airplane sideways through the air during a crosswind landing. If the wind is coming from the right, you would position your ailerons into the wind with opposite rudder to sideslip into your crosswind landing.
Photo credit to aviation.stackexchange.com
A forward slip, on the other hand, is used to rapidly lose altitude and provides a forward path towards the runway or desired landing spot. The main difference between the two is that the aircraft’s longitudinal axis (nose to tail) in a side slip is aligned with the runway centerline. For a forward slip, you are purposely exposing it to the relative wind (no longer streamlined) which creates a significant amount of drag— resulting in rapid altitude loss.
Be sure to review the recommendations listed in your aircraft’s POH to perform slips. Most all Cessnas warn against slipping with full flaps extended. Also, take caution with your airspeed. Once you slip you are no longer streamlining with the relative wind and your pitot tube or mass is no longer reading the airspeed completely accurately. These maneuvers should only be performed with the proper training of a flight instructor. It is best to start at a sufficient altitude and practice them till the student gets comfortable with the controls and how they feel in this cross-controlled state.
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