What is the best way to align with centerline on final, rudder or slip? Like many student pilots, I consistently find myself slightly left of centerline in the last few seconds before touchdown (e.g. between crossing the threshold, through roundout and flare), despite flying a stabilized, on-course approach on Final, with no crosswind component.

My question is how to realign with centerline in those last few seconds? I've been suggested two techniques (see below), but I'm not at ease with them.

I did see the "Crosswind, crab or slip?" question, but I believe mine is different. I am wondering what is the correct technique without crosswind. Even if they have the same answer, it's not necessarily the same question, as the technique one uses MAY be different w/crosswind (or not! I don't know).




My CFI suggested imagining the centerline extending vertically into the air, and using rudder pedals to align with it as if I was 'taxiing' on that centerline. So if the plane is to the left of this imaginary centerline, apply right pedal to yaw the aircraft to the right, and vice-versa. In either case, the longitudinal axis of the aircraft is intersecting the vertical centerline at some point down the runway.


Problem is, when I do this, it doesn't feel like the plane moves towards centerline at an appreciable rate. It just feels yawed, but without any "movement" towards the side that I'm pointing to.


Alternatively, I've seen in some videos online to use the rudder pedals to align the longitudinal axis of the aircraft PARALLEL to the vertical centerline, and instead use ailerons to slip back to centerline. So if the plane is to the left of center, point the nose of the aircraft parallel to centerline, but roll aircraft to the right.


Both unnerve me a bit, but for different reasons. For the former, I'm not used to the 'crabbed' orientation so close to the ground. For the latter, I'd prefer the wings to be level so close to the ground.

Which technique is preferable?
Your method #2 is consistent with current FAA doctrine, and when practiced yields acceptable results.

Rudder for longitudinal axis alignment (parallel) with the centerline.

Aileron for drift.

Have a stable approach, and maintain vigilance of both inputs when on low final.  If you practice the technique for your entire final approach, you get extra practice time, and may master the technique faster.

FAA has a publication, On Landings I  (and also a II and III publication) which are all great at describing the technique.  Every student should have a copy for review.  FAA-8740-48  a copy is here: https://www.flyingd.net/documents/on-landings-part-i.pdf

To answer a comment...if you are left of the centerline, and there is no wind, and your approach is stable, then you need some right aileron to get your longitudinal axis over the centerline, and you will have to adjust your rudder while maneuvering, to keep the longitudinal axis aligned and at least parallel to the centerline.

Drift with aileron, alignment with rudder. Constantly modifying input to get the desired drift and alignment. 

Aileron for drift.

Rudder for alignment.

Pitch for airspeed.

Power for altitude.