Slip (aircraft)
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Making an airplane path through the air be at some angle to its longitudinal axis. In other words, making the airplane fly (partially) sideways.
This is done by applying rudder input to one side and aileron input to bank the opposite direction. The two inputs cancel each other out and the airplane's path through the air is at an angle (up to 30 degrees or more) from where it is pointing. For example, right rudder and left aileron will cause the airplane to yaw right, roll left, and fly somewhat left-side forward. By adjusting the balance of rudder and aileron the path through the air can be straight or a turn in either direction. However, a turn with the airplane nose yawing toward the inside of the turn is sometimes called a skid.
Another reason for the existence of a slip can be asymmetric thrust, for example caused by an engine faillure. In this case the rudder can be used to reduce slip.
Slips greatly increase airplane drag. They are most commonly used to increase the rate of descent without increasing airspeed, allowing a steeper approach to landing. This is only a 'normal' technique in small aircraft, as the effects will be quite noticable on larger aircraft.
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