Can a grooved runway be considered wet?

Generally speaking, if a grooved runway has water on it, it is considered wet only if the surface is reflective or if a certain percentage of the surface has standing water. Otherwise, it is considered damp or dry because the grooves carry away the water that might induce hydroplaning.

What is a slippery runway?

A wet runway excessively contaminated by rubber, reported by NOTAM as “Slippery when Wet” as defined by ICAO, is a contaminated runway. It is considered to have the same performance as snow (MEDIUM). Above that, there is a risk that some of the contaminant be no longer true compacted snow.

What are the types of runways?

A runway should be marked according to its usage. The three classifications of runways are Visual Runways, Nonprecision Instrument Runways, and Precision Instrument Runways.

What is a runway in airport?

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a runway is a “defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft”. Runway lengths are now commonly given in meters worldwide, except in North America where feet are commonly used.

What is considered a wet runway?

Wet Runway. For purposes of condition reporting and airplane performance, a runway can be considered wet when more than 25 percent of the runway surface area (within the reported length and the width being used) is covered by any visible dampness or water that is ⅛ inch (3 mm) or less in depth.

What does a grooved runway mean?

Grooves are cut in the runway surface transversely to the pavement centerline and make a secondary contribution to drainage. Runway grooving provides a higher degree of contact between aircraft tires and the pavement surface under the condition of standing water.

How does a wet runway affect your takeoff?

Mud, snow, and standing water will reduce your airplane’s acceleration down the runway. Although muddy and wet surface conditions can reduce friction between the runway and the tires, they can also act as obstructions and reduce the landing distance (FAA PHAK Chapter 11).

What are the four types of runway configurations?

The basic configurations are (1) single runways, (2) parallel runways, (3) intersecting runways, and (4) open‐V runways.

What is meant by runway configuration?

The term “runway configuration” refers to the number and relative orientations of one or more runways on an airfield. Many runway configurations exist. Most configurations are combinations of several basic configurations.

When is a runway considered to be dry?

runway is dry when it is neither wet, nor contaminated. For purposes of condition reporting and airplane performance, a runway can be considered dry when no more than 25 percent of the runway surface area (within the reported length and the width being used) is covered by visible moisture or dampness, frost, slush, snow (any type), or ice.

What does it mean when a runway is contaminated?

Contaminated runway. A runway is contaminated when more than 25 per cent of the runway surface area (whether in isolated areas or not) within the required length and width being used is covered by: compacted snow or ice, including wet ice.

When to use a FICON NOTAM for a dry runway?

A FICON NOTAM must not be originated for the sole purpose of reporting a dry runway. A dry runway surface should be reported only when there is need to report conditions on the remainder of the surface. [ AC 150/5200-30D, ¶1.12.23] Wet Runway.

What does a runway condition code tell you?

Here’s what they tell airport operators: [ AC 150/5200-30D, ¶1.12.17] Runway Condition Code (RwyCC). Runway Condition Codes describe runway conditions based on defined contaminants for each runway third. Use of RwyCCs harmonizes with ICAO Annex 14, providing a standardized “shorthand” format (e.g., 4/3/2) for reporting.