Forward Slip

A cross-controlled maneuver used to lose altitude rapidly without increasing airspeed, typically on final approach when the aircraft is too high. The pilot banks the aircraft toward the wind while applying opposite rudder to keep the nose pointed along the original ground track. The sideways presentation of the fuselage to the airflow creates significant drag. Forward slips are especially useful in aircraft without flaps or when additional altitude loss is needed beyond what flaps provide. The pilot must monitor airspeed carefully, as some aircraft have unreliable airspeed indications during slips due to disturbed airflow over the static port.