Operating in Heavy Snow/Ice conditions

[ImbracableCrunk]

Don't call it poor or nil either as some operators can't land depending on their OpSpecs

If someone goes off the runway after you said braking is fine, I hope the survivors track you down and string you up.

 

[Ticker]

Amen. These reports are what brings the snow equipment out to the runway. The most Airport's Certification Manual and the Winter Operation Advisory Circular (150 series) also requires them to take action on the runway with a poor or nil braking action report. The airport operator can only go out on the runway so often to take mu reports. This helps them keep up to date on the runway condition.

 

[contrail67]

Don't call it poor or nil either as some operators can't land depending on their OpSpecs

Why not?!

So if it is poor or nil the guy behind you gets to run off the runway because you did not want to disrupt his operations? Trust me, when the guy is in the ditch, he will wish you would have called it that way.

 

[Spud]

Don't call it poor or nil either as some operators can't land depending on their OpSpecs

Idiot.

 

[lansen]

when you get a breaking report take note of the AC that gave it, Fair for a c172, a 1900, and a 767 can all mean different things. Do your best not to fully stop esp in deep snow it will be a PITA to get moving again.

 

[OurMoney1]

On snow covered runways arrest your momentum and bring the aircraft to a complete stop on the runway. If you have autobrakes let them do it for you. Taxi free under your control not mother natures.

Be sure to advise ATC so they can give you adequate spacing with the guy behind you.

 

[737tanker]

So how do you land without brakes when the autobrakes are required???

Don't be in a hurry to come on the brakes manually. With the autobrakes if the deceleration for the autobrake setting is being met by the reversers the brakes won't be applied.

 

[dragontamer]

Wear a jacket on the walkaround.

 

[RedBelly]

If you think the landing is going to require perfect execution to land safely, then you cannot land safely. About 20 years ago, an old retired NWA pilot gave me one nugget of advice. He said, "Slow down to the point where you have to add power to exit the runway, and you will be just fine." Just like OurMoney1 said above.

As for the brakes, I have to disagree completely with GuppyWN. If you are flying something with reverse, you most likely are going to have anti-skid. Apply full brakes, and let the anti-skid do it's thing. If you have auto brakes, follow tankers advice.

 

[Dumb Pilot]

There are two types of winter landings, the one where you slip and slide but stay within the confinements of the runway and the ones where you don't.

 

[FBN0223]

Icy ramp? Wait until your pushback is complete/brakes set before starting engines or your aircraft could give the tug a battle that it can't win.

 

[pilotguy143]

Icy ramp? Wait until your pushback is complete/brakes set before starting engines or your aircraft could give the tug a battle that it can't win.

Great advice. Also, if you're Flight Standards Manual says to put the flaps down after De-icing, quadruple check that they are down and set properly

 

[Dan Roman]

Palm 90
(I'm sure some of you will get it.)

 

[Alcatraz]

-Don't do ANY single engine taxiis unless braking is GOOD or better.

-Taxi SLOW, and be sure you're really on pavement.

-If you're using antiskid on landing, try not to change your brake pedal pressures much. Every time you change your brake pedal pressure some antiskid systems (such as on the 737) have to recalculate stuff and may result in poorer braking performance than if you applied even pressure. IOW, WITH antiskid, don't pump the brakes.

-Keep in mind the pavement markings may be completely obscured, affecting your ability to see the location of the touchdown zone on landing and also raising your takeoff mins.

-If you're flying a turboprop, landing shouldn't be a big deal unless you jam the brakes too hard or your props go to beta asymmetrically.

 

[JustaNumber]

-Don't do ANY single engine taxiis unless braking is GOOD or better.

...unless you're in a jet with fuselage-mounted engines (less asymmetrical thrust), and you're lightly loaded. In that case, wait as long as possible to start up the second one to keep from sliding when you frequently have to apply the brakes during taxi.