FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Flight Planning and PerformanceMedium
A dispatcher receives a PIREP indicating braking action 'poor' on the landing runway due to compacted snow. How should this affect the landing performance calculations?
- AThe dry runway landing distance may be substituted since anti-skid systems fully compensate for reduced friction.
- BOnly the takeoff performance calculation is affected; landing distance is not impacted by braking action.
- CNo adjustment is required since braking action reports are advisory only.
- DA contaminated runway landing distance factor must be applied, significantly increasing the required landing distance.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A contaminated runway landing distance factor must be applied, significantly increasing the required landing distance.
Reduced runway friction from contamination significantly increases the landing distance required because braking effectiveness is degraded. Dispatchers must apply the appropriate contaminated-runway performance correction factors published by the manufacturer or operator.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Anti-skid systems reduce but do not eliminate the effect of reduced friction; substitution of dry data is unsafe.
- B. Poor braking action affects landing distance directly, not just takeoff performance.
- C. Braking action reports directly affect required performance data and must be applied, not ignored.
Contaminated Runway Landing Performance
Reduced runway friction from snow, ice, or slush increases landing distance required and must be factored into dispatch calculations.
- Braking action reports: Good, Good-to-Medium, Medium, Medium-to-Poor, Poor, Nil
- Poor braking significantly increases stopping distance
- Manufacturer-supplied correction factors must be applied
Memory trick: Poor braking = poor stopping — always add distance, never assume dry.