Perform a Forward Slip in a Cessna 152 to Descend Rapidly

A forward slip is a flight maneuver you can use for several reasons: losing altitude quickly, landing in a cross wind, or to position the plane for photography to name a few. The most common reason is to lose altitude. Slips are fun and safe if done correctly. Following are guidelines on performing a slip to descend rapidly.

Steps

1. When executing a forward slip to lose altitude, power to idle, and slow the plane to 80 knots before starting the slip. Typically flaps are not used in this situation, but consult your Pilots' Operating Handbook (POH) before deciding whether flaps are necessary.
2. Pick a point far in front of you and make it your heading or target.
3. Bank into the wind. As soon as your target starts moving, apply opposite rudder in order to keep moving towards your target. (Ex. Left rudder, right aileron) Make sure the nose of the plane is low enough to keep your airspeed up. Do not apply too much aileron because you can become inverted. Do not allow the airspeed go above 80 knots because that will stress the plane. Do not allow the airspeed to drop below 60 knots because you can get into a cross-control stall and induce a spin.
4. To recover from the slip, simultaneously release the rudder pedal and level the plane with the ailerons.

Tips

• Practice slips often when you are out doing touch and goes.
• Fly with an instructor to get proficient with slips.
• If you are overweight, a larger Cessna 172 may be better than a 152.

Warnings

• Slips are fun but can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
• Slips in a Cessna 152 can be done with full flaps. Buffeting will not occur.
• Slip should not be done with full power.
• The pitot tube, static port, and related instruments including the air speed indicator will be affected by the local flow around the aircraft. The indicated airspeed could vary significantly from reality and will most likely be different if slipping to the right or to the left.

Things You'll Need

• Cessna 152 airplane
• Pilot's certificate or student pilot's certificate with proper endorsements
• Current Medical Certificate
• A good day
• Sound body and mind

Related Articles

• Fly a Cessna
• Take off in a Cessna 172
• Land a Cessna 172
• Land an Airplane in an Emergency
• Be Comfortable on a Long Airplane Trip

See also

• Prepare for and Exit a Cessna 172 in the Event of a Crash Landing
• Fly a Cessna 182
• Start the Cessna 337 Engines
• Deal With an Engine Fire on a Cessna 150
• Enter and Recover from Slow Flight on a Cessna 150
• Enter and Recover from a Power off Stall in a Cessna 150
• Perform a Forced Approach in a Cessna 150
• Perform a Walk Around on a Cessna 150
• Do a Crosswind Landing in a Cessna 150
• Start a C150 Engine

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• Do a Forced Landing in a Cessna 150 With and Without Engine Power