Toolbox for the Global Reporting Format

The operational performance of aircraft during landing and take-off is highly dependent on the surface condition of runways. This surface condition can be severely degraded during bad weather conditions. When such situations occur, the operator must implement methods and means to characterise the runway surface condition in order to provide pilots with the elements allowing them to calculate the performance of their aircraft and to take into account the operational limitations. This characterisation consists in particular in identifying the type of contaminant and measuring or estimating its importance (surface concerned and thickness). This technical information note brings together information and good practices. It aims, in particular, to assist operators in developing and implementing procedures relating to the monitoring of manoeuvring areas in all circumstances, and in particular during degraded weather episodes.

It summarises :

• ICAO and EASA definitions, vocabulary and specifications;
• The methods and means to best meet these specifications;
• The relevant information to be transmitted to ATS who will relay it to the crews.