Impact of Runway Traction on Possible Approaches to Certification and Operation of Jet Transport Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to determine the need for changes in the landing certification rule for transport category aircraft. Statistics show that numerous incidents occur each year on wet, snow- or ice-covered runways. A change in certification and operational rules could reduce, or possibly eliminate, such incidents. Numerous investigations have been made with jet transport aircraft and ground vehicle friction-measuring devices to establish relationships on wet surfaces. Results of these investigations have had an impact on possible rule changes and have identified three basic problems. The framework is advanced for a system that can accommodate a change to transport category aircraft-landing certification and operations rules. It is emphasized that any changes must adhere to the standard regulatory process.