Forward slips are one of the most valuable, but often misunderstood, landing techniques a pilot can have in their “toolkit”. When it is used correctly, a forward slip allows pilots to lose excess altitude, manage energy, and maintain precise control on final approach. In Day 25 of the 31-Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2026, Jamie breaks down the best forward slip to landing technique, explaining when to use it, how to fly it safely, and what common mistakes to avoid.
What is a Forward Slip and Why Do Pilots Use It?
A forward slip is a maneuver where the pilot intentionally presents the side of the aircraft to the relative wind to create additional drag. By applying rudder in one direction and opposite aileron to maintain the desired ground track, the aircraft descends more rapidly without increasing airspeed.
Pilots commonly use forward slips when they find themselves high on approach, especially when power reductions and flap adjustments alone are not enough. Instead of forcing the airplane down or destabilizing the approach, a forward slip allows for a controlled, predictable descent while maintaining a safe airspeed.
Proper Control Inputs: Rudder for Drag, Ailerons for Tracking
Executing a forward slip correctly starts with understanding control coordination. The rudder is used to yaw the aircraft, exposing more surface area to the airflow and increasing drag. At the same time, opposite aileron is apple to keep the airplane tracking straight toward the runway centerline.
Throughout the maneuver, maintaining a consistent target airspeed is critical. In the video, Jamie maintains approximately 90 miles per hour while allowing the descent rate to increase dramatically. The airplane loses altitude quickly, not because of speed, but because of drag.
Pilots should expect a noticeably steeper descent while the airspeed remains stable, which is exactly what makes the forward slip such a powerful landing tool.
When to Use a Forward Slip, and when Not to Use It
The Airplane Flying Handbook is clear about when forward slips should be used. Pilots can initiate a forward slip on downwind, base, or final, but the most important rule is simple: never perform a forward slip during a turn.
All turns in the traffic pattern should remain coordinated. Slips are best saved for straight flight, most commonly on final approach, once the aircraft is aligned with the runway. Attempting a slip while turning from base to final introduces unnecessary risk and should be avoided.
Jamie emphasizes staying coordinated through downwind-to-base and base-to-final turns, then using the forward slip only after rolling out on final.
Aircraft Limitations, Flaps, and a Safe Touchdown
Every aircraft handles slips a little differently, which is why checking the POH is essential. In 23MZ, it’s equipped with 40 degrees of flaps and often recommends limiting flap extension to 30 degrees when performing slips. At higher flap settings, some aircraft can develop a noticeable nose-down tendency during a slip.
Another critical point is that airplanes should never be landed in a slip. Pilots must smoothly transition back to coordinated flight before touchdown to avoid side-loading the landing gear. Once aligned and stabilized, the aircraft should touch down straight and under control.
When done correctly, forward slips provide exceptional control over altitude and energy, especially in gusty or high-approach scenarios.
Safer Pilot Challenge 2026
The Safer Pilot Challenge is our yearly vow to help you become a smarter, safer pilot, and it runs all month long every January, wrapping up with our big livestream finale on January 31! We’re giving away prizes throughout the month, so be sure to watch each YouTube video and leave the specific comment to enter for a chance to win. Are you committing to 31 for 31 days of the Safer Pilot Challenge? If you love our free content, just imagine what our full courses can do for you. We’d love to welcome you into our ground schools! Start today with a free 2-week trial and see if MzeroA is the right fit for your aviation journey!