The low break is taught to develop the skills and judgement necessary to safely execute landings after a low-level rope break. Rope breaks can occur at any altitude, and time and options are limited under these circumstances. It is important that students gain some practical experience in this regard. In most instances, when the rope breaks the aircraft is in the climb attitude. It is very important to first return the aircraft to the normal flying attitude so that control is assured for any subsequent manoeuvres.
The next key skill required is the judgement of the first decision height which is normally 300 feet. The options below this height are to land ahead somewhere in the field of view. Below 300 feet course corrections are usually limited to approximately 60 degrees in either direction to avoid obstructions or select a better landing surface. There are always trade-offs down low. Shallow turns will conserve height, but often do not alter course quickly enough for the conditions, and are also a prime factor in stalled conditions. Steep turns do allow more rapid course changes, but also produce higher sink rates and can position the wing tips dangerously close to the ground. As well turbulence and wind shear are often factors that are best dealt with in a wings level attitude. The best compromise is to make 30 degree bank turns, with limited course corrections, so that the wings can be kept level as much as is possible to give the best chance to cope with turbulent conditions. Above 300 feet, the options open up to include the 180-degree course change. This can usually be completed above the turbulence. Full circles should be left to above 600 feet. Anything that might promote the stall/spin scenario should be avoided until above this altitude as modern aircraft require approximately 100 feet per pound of wing loading to recover safely from a single turn spin. The student’s actions are to lower the nose appropriately to gain the proper airspeed, and then decide what to do. Most students can be coached through all phases of these exercises. However the student’s responses should be closely monitored by the instructor to prevent any hint of a hard landing or inappropriate control input by the student. The outline for this exercise is:
- If the student has not performed above average on the high level rope break exercise or the instructor does not have personal knowledge of the student’s abilities, then the first low-level rope break should be planned by both the instructor and the student. Students with the ability may have this exercise done without prior warning by the instructor.
- Instructor checks the student’s performance of the takeoff and calling out 300 feet decision height.
- Instructor pulls the release either below 50 feet or between 300 and 450 feet.
- Instructor coaches the student’s performance in controlling the aircraft, and either landing ahead or executing a 180 turn.
- Instructor coaches the student’s performance of a downwind landing as required.
- Instructor checks the student’s movement of the aircraft off of the active runway.
The Low Break exercise simulates a rope break either below 50 feet AGL or above 300 feet. Both variations should be practised. Exercise extreme caution in attempting low level rope breaks between 50 and 300 feet. This area often can produce a dangerous situation as the choices are low-level manoeuvres and a shrinking runway ahead. It is preferable in both cases that the tow plane go around rather than remaining on the runway.