Slips Who Needs ‘Em?

When was the last time you flew a slip? Are slips a necessary maneuver belonging in every pilot’s skill set? Or are they an aerial anachronism, a holdover from earlier flying days, with little application to the modern world? Slips originated in aviation’s early days, when most, if not all, airplanes lacked wing flaps. They were and are used to increase the angle of descent on approach, and to get the airplane’s nose out of the way of the pilot (who often sat well aft) to better see the runway ahead when landing. Given the genesis of the art of slipping, should we still be expected to master it?

Key Takeaways:

• Slips are an intentional aviation maneuver used to increase an aircraft's descent rate without increasing airspeed, primarily for energy management on approach, emergency altitude loss, and maintaining alignment during crosswind landings.
• A poll of experienced pilots affirmed the continued value of slips for both normal and emergency operations, emphasizing their benefit in understanding an aircraft's full control envelope and improving pilot coordination.
• However, slips come with potential drawbacks, including the risk of fuel unporting, inaccurate airspeed readings, passenger discomfort, and the danger of a cross-controlled stall or spin if performed incorrectly, with specific limitations for certain aircraft types.

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