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Why is there a tendency for the nose to pitch-up during a forward slip in a Cessna 172 (According to the TC Flight training manual)?

Quote: "If full rudder is used, considerable aileron pressure may be needed to maintain the bank. There will also be a tendency for the nose to pitch up as a result of the banked attitude and rudder input"

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  • $\begingroup$ I'd suggesting including in the actual question the specific aircraft where you have noticed this. PS t-tailed aircraft often pitch nose-down in a slip. Might be related. $\endgroup$
    – quiet flyer
    Commented Jul 31, 2020 at 20:08
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    $\begingroup$ Can't say I've ever noticed that myself, but I'd be interested to see what that manual says. $\endgroup$
    – GdD
    Commented Jul 31, 2020 at 20:36
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    $\begingroup$ Never noticed that in my Cardinal. Altho I have done it so often I may not notice it and just push the nose down a little as put in full rudder and opposite aileron to lose altitude quick while on final. The plane straightens right up when controls are released. $\endgroup$
    – CrossRoads
    Commented Jul 31, 2020 at 23:59
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    $\begingroup$ What is a “TC Flight training manual”? $\endgroup$
    – Mike Sowsun
    Commented Aug 1, 2020 at 10:49
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    $\begingroup$ I think what is a "TC Flight training manual" is a good comment. Why doesn't it say Cessna 172 on it? Pushing into a forward slip greatly increases drag. The result is the plane slows and the nose drops. I would strongly recommend actually doing a few with an instructor. The 172 is ingeniously designed plane that handles beautifully in forward slips. At 65 knots, trimmed, very little pitching was noticed (even with flaps), and plenty of opposite aileron was available. $\endgroup$
    – Robert DiGiovanni
    Commented Sep 10, 2022 at 0:46

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It is because of opposite rudder in the bank. In the forward slip and due to angle of bank the rudder input will push the tail down somewhat resulting in the nose coming up as it rotates around the normal axis which is now inclined due to the bank. This is easier to see looking at a model plane.

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    $\begingroup$ Remember to think relative to the plane, not the ground. Rudder input yaws the plane, it does not change AoA. Pitching oscillations may occur due to drag turbulence acting on the horizontal stabilizer. They are more noticeable with flaps extended. $\endgroup$
    – Robert DiGiovanni
    Commented Sep 10, 2022 at 10:46

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