cdb

Can anyone tell me what a "Run and Break" is? I've just been looking at the AIP entry for Manston, which specifies that they are not permitted below 1000' AGL.

Thanks

ShyTorque

It's a joining procedure with military origins. It was designed to expedite an aircraft's landing from cruise speed and to minimise the possibility of a wartime enemy aircraft from getting a clean shot at it.

Normally flown via "Initials"; a point about two miles out from the threshold, on the deadside of the runway. R/T "Initials, run and break"

Run in up the deadside, parallel to the runway. At the appropriate moment, roll into a steep level turn, to cross over the runway to the downwind leg. Throttle closed, airbrakes out if appropriate. Gear down / flaps as the speed drops. Normal landing. Do it without opening the throttle again if you're really good at judging it.

R/T "On the break" or similar, depending on local orders, followed by "Downwind" and "Finals" as normal.

Not a good thing to do if there are inexperienced pilots in the circuit.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Aaaahhh....those were the days! If only I could do it now in my 'bus (I'm sure it could be done if I got myself into Direct Law, but the company/pax's/cabin crew/First Officer might be a little pee'd off with me!)

huckleberry58

Sometimes known as "buzz and break", 'cos you're "buzzing" the airfield.

keithl

ShyTorque is right that the primary aim was to minimise the exposure time to intruders in the vicinity of the a/f. But the R&B has the additional peacetime benefit of being an easy way to slot a formation into the visual circuit.

On the point of being prohibited below 1000' at Manston, R&B heights have been going up steadily since the original purpose was forgotten or became unnecessary. When I did my acceptance check on my first Canberra Sqn, my boss (flying as my No2) bollocked me for being above 250' when I broke! changed days, eh?