Quote:
Originally Posted by hulkrogan
Can someone explain a slip landing to someone who isn't a pilot? 
I understand airplane basics (ailerons, flaps, rudders etc) but just not how they are used in different situations. |
I'll take a shot, although I wish I could just stand up in front of you with a model and show it!
-Approaching a runway with a crosswind the pilot would position the nose of the plane such that the actual track of the aircraft is still towards the runway.
-On final approach they will add rudder to point the nose straight at the runway, at the same time they will input opposite aileron control to roll of the aircraft (into the wind as MarchHare points out).
-So at this point the nose will be pointed right at the runway and one wing will be slightly lower due to the cross control. This is adjusted and held through the flare and touchdown, leading to one main gear landing first, followed by the other side and then finally the nose gear.
Of course due to the slip causing a wing low condition this is why you don't see most airliners utilizing it, as it could easily cause an engine or wing to strike the ground. But we always used this method in our little Cessna's and the such.