The accurate reporting of runway conditions is critical to reduce the risk of runway excursions associated with runway contamination.
ICAO has made it a priority to develop a Global Reporting Format (GRF) for assessing and reporting on runway surface conditions. This standardized method of reporting comes into effect globally on the 5th of November 2020.
The development of a single common method for assessing and reporting on runway surface conditions will ensure consistency across the world and provide airport operators with an objective method of assessing and reporting runway conditions with criteria related directly to aerodrome performance.
This will no doubt also take the pressure off flight crews, as they will receive runway surface condition information in a consistent and standardized format from all airports, enabling them to better make operational decisions regarding take-off and landing.
Runway Condition Assessment Matrix
The new methodology relies on a Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM). Whenever contaminants are present on an operational runway, the aerodrome operator is required to assess the runway surface conditions based on the criteria in the RCAM. From this assessment, a runway condition code (RWYCC) is reported, reflecting the runway braking capability as a function of the surface conditions. Flight crews will then be able to derive the required stopping distance of their aircraft under the prevailing conditions, using performance information provided by the aeroplane manufacturer. By November 2020, airport operators around the world will need to be up-to-date and ready to use the new standardized method of reporting.
New online course
A new course has been specially developed to help airport and airline personnel understand the new format to meet the ICAO GRF requirements. In 2018 the ACI World, ICAO the OLC with the support of subject matter experts from Brussels and Munich airports, joined forces to develop the new ICAO Global Reporting Format Course. This course describes the new ICAO GRF requirements for runway surface condition assessment and reporting.
This course also incorporates a series of practical scenarios so that participants can practice using the ICAO.
The development of the GRF by ICAO will change the future for airport operators and flight crews.
From 2020, one single method, for assessing and reporting on runway surface conditions, will be used across the world. A breakthrough within the safety aviation community.
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