Wisdom of side-slipping a large jet?
I was just asked by another pilot whether is it is legal to side-slip a large jet or not. I am uncertain of the "legality" answer and thought it might be a good discussion item. In one crosswind landing technique, one slips a plane when we kick off crab in the flare; on another technique, it is taught to straighten the plane further back up the approach and effectively slip it down to the landing from say 200 or 300 feet. That is a low speed landing manoeuvre which is not likely to damage the aircraft. However the person who posed this question is referring to using side-slip much further back up the approach, in much the same manner as a Piper Cub etc. that is too high and too fast! My thoughts are that it is a most inappropriate and unwise way to fly a large plane such as a 757, and I am curious as to other pilots thoughts. I would be very concerned about structural integrity of the vertical fin as well as other safety/comfort issues.
While I am sure many would join me in being basically appalled at the idea of flying a transport category aeroplane like that, I am curious as to what certification/flight testing has been done on a new model. If it has not, then why is it not listed as a specifically banned maneuvre?
OH
Last edited by Oilhead; 24th May 2007 at 18:31.
Reason: Clarification of issue