TECHNIQUE FORWARD SLIP Come on down, you're next for landing ยป By Ian J. Twombly ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLES FLOYD No approach to landing is perfect. If things are really off track, there are some tools you can use to try and return everything to normal. If you've already lowered flaps and put the power to idle, the next thing to do is a forward slip. Forward slips are like a down elevator, scrubbing off altitude without building up airspeed. They are one of the easiest of the required private pilot maneuvers, but there are a few key points to consider. CESSNA SLIPS Certain models of the Cessna 172 with 40 degrees of flaps have a note in the pilot's operating handbook to avoid slips with full flaps. This isn't a prohibition, but given that the flaps can reduce airflow over the tail, it's not a bad idea to heed the advice. PLUS Watch a forward slip.