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 intentional maneuvers (banking with opposite rudder) primarily used to rapidly lose altitude without increasing airspeed, manage glide path, and maintain runway alignment, especially during crosswind landings or emergencies.
• Experienced pilots widely consider slips a valuable skill for understanding an aircraft's full performance envelope, developing advanced control coordination, and serving as a critical tool in both normal and emergency operations.
• Potential disadvantages of slips include fuel unporting, inaccurate airspeed readings, passenger discomfort, and the risk of cross-controlled stalls if performed improperly, with specific considerations for certain aircraft types and multiengine operations.

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