Run-and-break
Encyclopedia
In aviation
, a run-and-break is a procedure used by high-performance aircraft to join an airfield traffic pattern
without requiring the aircraft to spend a long time flying at low speed. As such, it is a procedure normally used by military aircraft at military airfields, however because it is also used by ex-military types it may sometimes be performed at civilian airfields.
This maneuver is also known as the initial-and-pitch.
confirms that it is safe for the procedure to begin. Once safely cleared, the pilot aligns the aircraft with the active runway
and calls initial at a set time from the airfield (usually 30 seconds or one minute). The aircraft is then flown at high speed along the runway in the landing direction at a low altitude, typically less than 500 feet (152.4 m) AGL
. By contrast, approach patterns at civilian airfields in many countries are typically flown at 1000 feet (304.8 m) feet AGL.
The Red Arrows
sometimes perform a spectacular variation on the run-and-break which includes a 9-ship formation loop during the run segment with the aircraft breaking to alternate sides of the runway in a staggered fashion. All the Arrows thus end up at different positions downwind in the pattern to land and can land in sequence.
Aviation
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
, a run-and-break is a procedure used by high-performance aircraft to join an airfield traffic pattern
Airfield traffic pattern
An airfield traffic pattern is a standard path followed by aircraft when taking off or landing, while maintaining visual contact with the airfield....
without requiring the aircraft to spend a long time flying at low speed. As such, it is a procedure normally used by military aircraft at military airfields, however because it is also used by ex-military types it may sometimes be performed at civilian airfields.
This maneuver is also known as the initial-and-pitch.
The run
The pilot circles some distance away from airfield at high speed until the air traffic controllerAir traffic controller
Air traffic controllers are the people who expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. The position of the air traffic controller is one that requires highly specialized skills...
confirms that it is safe for the procedure to begin. Once safely cleared, the pilot aligns the aircraft with the active runway
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
and calls initial at a set time from the airfield (usually 30 seconds or one minute). The aircraft is then flown at high speed along the runway in the landing direction at a low altitude, typically less than 500 feet (152.4 m) AGL
Above ground level
In aviation and atmospheric sciences, an altitude is said to be above ground level when it is measured with respect to the underlying ground surface. This is as opposed to above mean sea level , or in broadcast engineering, height above average terrain...
. By contrast, approach patterns at civilian airfields in many countries are typically flown at 1000 feet (304.8 m) feet AGL.
The break
At some point during "the run", usually mid-way down the runway, the pilot will fly the aircraft up and away from the runway in a tight crosswind leg, to position downwind in the pattern to land. This maneuver is performed at high-g which causes significant induced drag; this drag causes a rapid reduction of airspeed. During this the aircraft is configured to land. The aircraft therefore arrives late downwind in the pattern at a safe low speed, configured to land, with minimum time spent at lower speeds.The Red Arrows
Red Arrows
The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Scampton, but due to move to RAF Waddington in 2011...
sometimes perform a spectacular variation on the run-and-break which includes a 9-ship formation loop during the run segment with the aircraft breaking to alternate sides of the runway in a staggered fashion. All the Arrows thus end up at different positions downwind in the pattern to land and can land in sequence.