Rope Breaks

Lesson Objective

During the normal course of operating gliders on aerotow, the rope occasionally breaks before the pilot desires to release from the towplane.  This can happen as a result of excessive turbulence, poor position behind the towplane, using a rope that is too old, or faulty connections on the tow plane or glider's end.  The aim of this lesson is to immediately react to the rope break and land the glider in a safe manner.   The term PT3 (Premature Termination of The Tow) is often used instead of "rope break" to include all modes of failure included in this lesson plan.  Ideally, the candidate will have performed at least three PT3 flights, each one in a different mode of flight.  At around 50 feet (with straight ahead landing).  At or around 200-300 feet, for a 180 return-to-base, and above 300 feet for an abbreviated pattern. 

Regulatory Requirement

• Pre-solo Candidate: 61.87(i)(9),(19)
• Private Candidate: PTS IV(G)

Content

• Rope breaks below 50 feet.
  
• Rope breaks at 200-300 feet.
  
• Rope breaks above 300 feet
  

Completion Standards

• a simulated rope break and stop below 50 feet
• a simulated rope break between 200 and 300 feet (and safe return to the field)
• a premature termination of the tow above300 feet, landing where appropriate
• makes radio calls, as appropriate
• maintains a safe speed and bank angle during the return to the field
• judges heights and lands the aircraft safely without instructor intervention.

• the need for a plan of action before the PT3

Prerequisite Study

• Glider Flying Manual, Takeoff Emergency Procedures, page 7-4

Recommended Study

• Joe Parrish, "Rope Breaks: Lessons Learned from the Space Shuttle", SOARING, April 1998 page 22, Freely Available on-line

• Soaring Safety Foundation: Premature Termination of the Tow

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