Contaminated Runway

[cloud_chaser]

When "Patchy" is used to describe runway conditions in the notams, can you assume the runway to be less than 25 percent contaminated? Example: PTCHY THN PACKED SN AND ICE

I was recently informed this is general knowledge and defined in the AIM however, I cannot find it.

Comments please.....

 

[Tired Soul]

This is so far the only thing that I have found:

http://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/certalerts/media/cert0904.pdf

50% or less.
Did you check AC 150/5200-30C

 

[uhdt]

Contaminated Runways

Good question....a quick call to FSS got me the answer. Located in FAA publication 7930.2 (NOTAMS), Chapter 5, 5-1-4 states -
"c. Coverage. Do not express the condition in terms of percentage of coverage. A surface not completely covered should be described as having patches of snow, ice, etc.; e.g., PTCHY y IN SNW (surface). The absence of a described surface indicates the entire landing area"

So basically if there is ANY snow on the runway, but not completely covered, it's patchy...

Not located in the AIM (as far as I can tell...)

 

[cloud_chaser]

Thanks guys! That answers my question!

 

[uhdt]

No prob!