The Risks Posed By Standing Water On Airport Runways

Sep 19, 2023

Standing water poses many risks to runway operations. This article will explore what these are and how they can be minimized.

Landings and takeoffs on a runway require skill to compensate for surface gradient, density altitude, and gusty crosswinds. Adding some level of contamination on the runway surface may pose a hazard, which, if not handled correctly, may lead to a safety threat. This article will explore the hazards posed by standing water and how pilots can best deal with these situations.

A contaminated runway refers to a runway surface with substances or materials on it, which could adversely affect the safe operation of aircraft. These substances or materials can include water, ice, snow, slush, frost, debris, rubber deposits, or other contaminants that may reduce the friction between the aircraft tires and the runway surface.

Contamination on a runway can pose serious safety hazards by affecting the aircraft's ability to accelerate, decelerate, or maintain control during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. It can lead to reduced braking effectiveness, decreased tire grip, increased stopping distances, and diminished directional control, among other issues.

Aviation authorities and organizations have established guidelines and standards for determining the level of contamination on a runway. These guidelines often include different categories or codes to describe the extent of contamination, such as dry, damp, wet, slush, or ice. The classification of runway contamination may vary depending on the region and the specific criteria used.

Pilots and air traffic controllers closely monitor runway conditions and contamination levels, and specific procedures are followed to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. These procedures include regular inspections, specialized equipment for measuring runway conditions, and disseminating information to pilots through weather and runway condition reports.

Standing water on a runway can pose several risks to aircraft operations. Here are some of the main risks associated with standing water:

While we have focused on standing water in this article, any contaminated runway poses safety hazards to aircraft operations. While we cannot change what the weather may do, the aviation community can take steps to ensure pilot training and airport operations consider these safety factors when planning flight operations.

Journalist - Arturo joins Simple Flying with a strong background in aviation and publishing. Having graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University held key roles at Airbus and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Before joining Simple Flying, Arturo was the Managing Editor of Executive Flyer, and also featured in AIN, AVweb, and Business & Commercial Aviation. Based in the United States