Originally Posted by
zeus2120
I have a winter related question for pilots.
How are runways deiced to the point that it is safe to bring an object moving 150mph to a roll? I've read salt isn't used because of what it does to the concrete, so I was wondering how icy conditions are managed. Are any deicing agents used on runways? Are there special procedures that must be done when landing on slick conditions? A few days ago I was landing at CLE and was updated by the Captain that weather conditions consisted of freezing rain / ice mix. There was no snow so no deicing was being done. Is there ever any worry that when you touch down and try to slow that you'll hit black ice and slide somewhere? Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!
Runways are snowplowed in snowy conditions, and usually a vehicle that has friction measuring capability will check the traction afterwards. Also, we will give a braking action report after we land on runways that are not clean and dry.
Depending upon the reports, snow pack, precipitation rate, the aircraft type, and other things, we have crosswind, headwind, tailwind and weight penalties.
Also, we know what we're doing and we know our limitations. Experience is a big factor. I remember, as a new United pilot (flight engineer) landing on a slick runway in blowing snow in the middle of the night in some small airport that we used to fly to, and thinking very highly of the captain and copilot. 15 years later, as a captain landing in the same place in the same conditions it wasn't any big deal. Not a piece of cake but entirely possible and fairly routine.
FAB