Plain English Meaning

The airplane is flying slightly sideways through the air instead of straight into it. The little ball in the turn indicator slides off-center, showing the controls aren't being used together properly.

Full Definition

A flight condition in which the airplane's longitudinal axis is not aligned with the relative wind, producing sideslip. The inclinometer ball is displaced from center, indicating that the rudder and aileron inputs are not balanced for the current bank and turn rate.

Context Anchor

Seen in slip, , turn , and -use discussions, especially when describing and the .