What distinguishes a forward slip from a side slip?

The distinction between a forward slip and a side slip lies in their specific applications during flight. A forward slip is primarily employed during descents to control the aircraft's descent rate and approach speed without significantly increasing or decreasing altitude. It allows the pilot to trade altitude for increased forward speed while maintaining directional control, which can be advantageous during approaches.

On the other hand, a side slip is commonly used for making corrections during landing approaches, particularly to align the aircraft with the runway while managing an approach under crosswind conditions. A side slip helps the pilot maintain control of the aircraft's heading and track without changing the descent profile excessively, providing increased lateral control.

Understanding these applications contributes to effective flight management, enabling pilots to adapt their techniques based on situational needs during both descents and landing approaches.