A forward slip, like the one being performed here, primarily is used to increase rate of descent while minimizing any airspeed increase. By placing the airplane slightly sideways, into the relative wind, more surface area is exposed, increasing drag. Since rudder is applied opposite the direction of bank, it's an uncoordinated maneuver. But as with any maneuver, slips require some practice, skill and coordination to perform well.
Once established, directional control in a slip is managed with small adjustments in bank angle and/or yaw. A good target airspeed is what you'd use on approach anyway, with descent rate primarily managed by changing bank angle. When the rudder pedal is at its limit, so is the slip. —J.B.
Has this ever happened to you? You're in the traffic pattern and trending high on final. The throttle is at idle and the airplane is fully configured to land. Initially there may be a temptation to pu…
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