What is Runway Condition Assessment?
Definition
A runway condition assessment is the process in which an aerodrome operator gives each third of a runway a code from 0 to 6. This is the runway condition code (RWYCC). The operator makes the assessment whenever water, snow, slush, ice or frost is present on an operational runway. The result goes into a runway condition report (RCR).
The code lets the flight crew calculate aeroplane performance. The format is the ICAO global reporting format, and its applicability date was 4 November 2021. The EASA rules for aerodromes (Part-ADR.OPS) contain the same reporting.
The runway condition assessment matrix
The operator uses the runway condition assessment matrix (RCAM) to find the code. The inputs are the type of contaminant, its depth, its coverage, and the outside air temperature. The table gives the main cases. The full matrix has more entries, for example specially prepared winter runways.
| RWYCC | Runway surface | Pilot braking action |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Dry | Not applicable |
| 5 | Frost. Wet (damp, or water up to 3 mm). Slush, dry snow or wet snow up to 3 mm | Good |
| 4 | Compacted snow at -15 °C and lower | Good to medium |
| 3 | Slippery wet. Dry snow or wet snow of any depth on top of compacted snow. Dry snow or wet snow of more than 3 mm. Compacted snow warmer than -15 °C | Medium |
| 2 | Standing water or slush of more than 3 mm | Medium to poor |
| 1 | Ice | Poor |
| 0 | Wet ice. Water on top of compacted snow. Dry snow or wet snow on top of ice | Less than poor |
The 3 mm depth limit has a reason. Below 3 mm a fluid contaminant can leave the contact area between the tyre and the runway. The stopping performance is then similar to a wet runway. A runway with a coverage of 25 per cent or less in a third gets code 6 for that third.
The report
The report has two sections. The aeroplane performance section holds the aerodrome, the time of the assessment and the lower runway designation. It also holds one code for each third, the coverage, the depth of loose contaminant and a description. The situational awareness section holds other information, for example snowbanks and plain-language remarks.
Coverage is reported as 25, 50, 75 or 100 per cent. A new report is needed after a significant change, which depends on the contaminant:
- Standing water or slush: 3 mm.
- Wet snow: 5 mm.
- Dry snow: 20 mm.
The operator sends the report to air traffic services and aeronautical information services. A SNOWTAM is valid for 8 hours at most.
Downgrade and upgrade
The matrix gives the first code. The operator should downgrade it when other information shows lower braking. Examples are vehicle behaviour, local knowledge and special air-reports from pilots. After two consecutive air-reports of poor braking while the code is 2 or better, the operator should assess the runway again. After one report of less than poor, the operator should also consider suspending operations on that runway.
An upgrade is limited. The operator may upgrade only code 0 or 1, and not above code 3. It needs a preponderance of evidence. The report then says UPGRADED or DOWNGRADED in the plain-language remarks.
Friction and pavement
The surface type changes how much grip a wet or thinly contaminated runway gives. A poorly drained, polished or rubber contaminated surface may give less friction than expected. A runway or part of it that is slippery wet is announced separately, by NOTAM in the EU. EASA does not allow friction measurements in the report. Annex 14 notes that friction measurements on loose contaminants such as snow and slush are unreliable.
Annex 14 guidance on training for the personnel who assess runway surface condition lists aerodrome inspection procedures and techniques as a possible topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a runway condition code (RWYCC)?
- A runway condition code is a number from 0 to 6. It describes how the runway surface condition affects aeroplane deceleration and lateral control. Code 6 is a dry runway and code 0 is the lowest braking. The flight crew uses the code to calculate aeroplane performance.
- How is the runway divided for the report?
- The runway is divided into three parts, and the report gives one code for each. The codes are listed as seen from the lower runway designation number. When air traffic services speak to a flight crew, the first part is the first third in the direction of landing or take-off.
- Can the aerodrome operator change the code that the matrix gives?
- Yes. The operator should downgrade the code when other information shows lower braking, for example a special air-report. The operator may upgrade code 0 or 1, but never above code 3. Every available means of assessing slipperiness must support it. Codes 2 to 5 are not upgraded.
- Are friction measurements part of the runway condition report?
- No. In the EU, friction measurements shall not be reported in the runway condition report. An operator can use them as supporting evidence when it decides to upgrade or downgrade a code, but the code comes from the matrix.
References
- easa-ear-aerodromes
- Easy Access Rules for Aerodromes (Regulation (EU) No 139/2014), March 2026 version EASA
- icao-annex-14-vol-i-9ed
- Annex 14 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, Aerodromes, Volume I, 9th edition (July 2022) ICAO
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