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why are some aircraft not allowed to perform forward slips with flaps

Asked by: 4687 views General Aviation

In my training in a 172, I have always used full flaps. But I heard some airplanes shouldn't use any flaps when doing a forward slip.

Thanks.

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1 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    Mark Kolber on Aug 23, 2016

    First, there are very, very few of those. Even with the ubiquitous Cessna 172, the prohibition for most of the model line is that slips with flaps are “not recommended.” (I think I once flew a 172G – circa 1966 – that actually said they were prohibited, but that’s the only one I’ve seen like that).

    Second,when the recommendation against use of flaps during slips is in an aircraft manual usually applies to both forward and side slips since they are aerodynamically identical.

    The reasons vary and are usually mentioned in the POH. Two examples, The 172S manual cautions that steep slips should be avoided with flap settings greater than 20° because of a tendency for the elevator to oscillate in certain combinations of airspeed, slip angle and weight and balance. Cirrus cautions against prolonged slips due to potential fuel flow issues.

    As always, forget about what you’ve “heard” and go with what the aircraft manual “says.”

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