Slipping an RV-6A on final

[sandifer]

Originally Posted by ChiefPilot

Part of it is technique. If you've got full flaps, a full slip, and still aren't coming down fast enough, it seems odd to blame the aircraft.

Just sayin'....

I'm not blaming an airplane. I don't think you're understanding that all I'm saying is that an RV doesn't slip nearly as well many other airplanes. All airplanes are different. Yes...an RV does slip. Anything with rudder pedals will slip. And yes, the "technique" problem was coming in too high after not having flown an RV for about 5 years, and not being used to an airplane that doesn't slip nearly as effectively and has a much flatter glide...even in the full slip configuration. If you haven't spent much time in a variety of airplanes with big control surfaces, you may not appreciate how much difference exists among different types when it comes to slip effectiveness and glide angle. It only took one approach to remember how much flatter an RV flies on final.

[Lindamon]

Originally Posted by sandifer

I'm not blaming an airplane. I don't think you're understanding that all I'm saying is that an RV doesn't slip nearly as well many other airplanes. All airplanes are different. Yes...an RV does slip. Anything with rudder pedals will slip. And yes, the "technique" problem was coming in too high after not having flown an RV for about 5 years, and not being used to an airplane that doesn't slip nearly as effectively and has a much flatter glide...even in the full slip configuration. If you haven't spent much time in a variety of airplanes with big control surfaces, you may not appreciate how much difference exists among different types when it comes to slip effectiveness and glide angle. It only took one approach to remember how much flatter an RV flies on final.

Just finished my RV transition training, and I thought the aircraft slips just fine as well, but I can say it's not like a Pitts or Extra.

I think the misunderstanding is the folks that are used to the way a RV slips think it's fine because it's pretty much like most Pipers and Cessnas, whereas those with experience slipping a Pitts at idle power know something about 45 degree glide paths!

[sandifer]

Originally Posted by Lindamon

I think the misunderstanding is the folks that are used to the way a RV slips think it's fine because it's pretty much like most Pipers and Cessnas,

People slip Pipers and Cessnas? IMO, the RV slips only slightly better than a Cessna, but still not nearly as well as the old flapless tube-and-fabric taildragger trainers that I'm comparing the slip qualities to. I've seen hundreds of trainer landings over the last few years where I'm based, and can count on one hand the number of times I've seen anyone slip. The 3-degree "stabilized" approaches have taken over...at least in the modern training culture it seems. Some there thought I was "crazy" for doing steep slips to land.

[Sid Lambert]

If I'm solo in the -4 I just slow to 60 KTS. If you can't make the runway that way a slip isn't going to do you any good either.

I don't think the RV does much good in the slip unless you just need to slow down. I've used it to get in the white arc.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by sandifer

People slip Pipers and Cessnas? IMO, the RV slips only slightly better than a Cessna, but still not nearly as well as the old flapless tube-and-fabric taildragger trainers that I'm comparing the slip qualities to.
Some there thought I was "crazy" for doing steep slips to land.

The early straight tail Cessnas slipped quite well. The later models have little rudder authority primarily because they have little rudders.

[Bob Axsom]

I slip every landing I think. It's just a tool and I use it but I do not go slow in the slip. I use it for altitude fine tuning and gross corrections in special cases but I give myself a good margin of speed to keep all surfaces flying. Maybe a fine little tweak on very short final at low altitude at 65 kts but my comfort level is 85 kts and power on if my senses tell me I am near the edge.

Bob Axsom

[Snowflake]

I find that my -6 will go into a great slip initially, but it won't stay there. If I give it full rudder I have to cross control with the ailerons to keep it on the centerline. That brings the nose down far enough that I start accelerating and the plane wants to straighten out again. I don't need to do it all that often, maybe I just need more practise.

[Ron Lee]

Originally Posted by ChiefPilot

Part of it is technique. If you've got full flaps, a full slip, and still aren't coming down fast enough, it seems odd to blame the aircraft.

Just sayin'....

Let's get some rate of descent numbers in this configuration. Add in power setting and indicated airspeed.

[JCSmith]

I didn't mean to start an argument, but I really enjoyed sitting back and watching. Anyways, thanks all, I feel better about the slip now. I've also just completed my transition training. Man, do I like the way it flies! And slips will remain part of my tool-box...

[erikpmort]

I can't imagine needing to slip a 6 unless you Are FP.