Procedure for pilot reports on estimated braking action

THIS AIC REPLACES AIC I 07/08

General

Pilot reports will be additional information to that promulgated in SNOWTAM.

The purpose of this procedure is to obtain an estimated braking action from the Pilot-in-command,whenever the experienced braking action is deemed to differ from the value stated in the actual SNOWTAM. This information should contribute to the quickest possible awareness of changes in braking action caused by the existence of snow and ice. Such information will be of great value to Pilots of succeeding aircraft and will also be useful to Ground Staff in evaluating the estimated braking action as well as the need for additional surface preparation.
Active use of Pilot reports is of significant importance in forming a basis for the evaluation of estimation of braking action. CAA-N expects all parties actively to contribute to this.

Communication:

Pilot reports (verbal) should be given whenever Pilot-in-command deems the actual braking action to differ from the value stated in actual SNOWTAM.

The estimated braking action should be expressed in SNOWTAM as follows:

• GOOD
• MEDIUM/GOOD
• MEDIUM
• MEDIUM / POOR
• POOR

ATS should relay the Pilot reported braking action to succeeding traffic, and to the responsible Ground Staff. The relayed message should at least include the following elements:

• The Pilot reported graduation
• Aircraft type
• Time of report

E.g. “Braking action MEDIUM reported by MD 80 at 12:15”.

Evaluation

When Ground Staff receive Pilot reports, the reports should be evaluated against the current SNOWTAM with a wiew to any runway preparation and promulgation of a new SNOWTAM.