Global Reporting Format (GRF)

on Runway Surface Conditions

THEORY TRAINING
 COURSE REMINDERS

HOUSEKEEPING COURSE TIMINGS

FOD – just bin it! … It’s break time!

EMERGENCY
PHONES ON SILENT
Please take your calls outside
PROCEDURES
Keep calm and follow me

PARTICIPATION
RESTROOMS This is your course…
Available outside the building
LEARN and have fun!

1
 COURSE OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

 Determine the importance of the Global Reporting Format (GRF)

 Demonstrate understanding of the major elements of the RCAM

 Determine under what circumstances RWYCC can be adjusted

 Follow the steps required to conduct a runway condition assessment

 Complete the Runway Condition Report

 Implement the new runway condition reporting requirements as outlined

in your SOP and GCAA CAR Part IX

2
CONTENTS
1 Basics of GRF and the Regulations
2 Using the RCAM – Conducting a Runway Condition Assessment
3 Adjusting Runway Condition Codes
4 Issuing the Runway Condition Report
GRF on Runway Surface Conditions

Module 1 : Basics of GRF and the Regulations

 Runway safety and runway excursions

 Explain why the ICAO GRF implementation is important
 Describe the advantages of the new GRF and RCAM
 GCAA CAR Part IX 4.11.4

4
Importance of Runway Safety

 The safe operation of aircraft on runway is

a critical element of aviation safety

 Runway Excursions are one of the most

serious issues when it comes to runway
safety

 One of the leading factors that contributes

to runway excursions is contaminated
runways

5
Runway Excursion

A runway excursion is defined by ICAO as a

veer-off or overrun of the runway surface and
can occur during take-off or landing.

Serious consequences - “RISK”

 Death or injury
 Significant damage to the aircraft
 Significant damage to other aircraft,
vehicles, equipment or property
 Operational impacts due to the closure of
the runway
 Damage to airline and airport reputations
 Costs of legal damages
 and the list goes on…
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RUNWAY EXCURSION (1998 – 2008)

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 Runway Contamination

Runways contaminated by standing water,

snow, slush or ice were involved in
approximately 80% of the runway excursion
accidents that occurred between 1995 and
March 2008.

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The GRF is a harmonized methodology that covers all conditions in all
climates, and allow Aerodrome Operators to rapidly and correlate the
assessed surface conditions of a runway.

The GRF is an evaluation by trained personnel who complete

a Runway Condition Report (RCR)

Relevant ICAO Docs

 PANS-ADR (Aerodromes) ICAO
Doc 9981 3rd edition 2020
 PANS AIM (Aeronautical
Information Management) ICAO
Doc 10066 1st edition 2018
 Circular 355 Assessment,
Measurement and Reporting of
Runway Surface Conditions

9
 Importance of Reporting RWY Conditions

▹ The accurate reporting of runway conditions is

critical to reduce the risk of runway excursions
▹ This also allows flight crew to:
 Make informed decisions on how they will approach,
take-off and landing
 Determine what kind of aircraft take-off and landing
performance they can expect for the specific aircraft
they are operating in the given conditions

10
 Benefits of the GRF

▹ Objective method of reporting runway surface

conditions to flight crews
▹ Better correlation of reported runway surface
conditions to contaminated landing and take-off
performance data
▹ Consistent and standardized format from all airports
▹ Consistent information, correlated with aeroplane
performance, on which to make operational
decisions

11
 RUNWAY CONDITION ASSESSMENT MATRIX (RCAM)
ICAO DOC 9981 PANS Aerodromes GCAA CAR Part IX ADR - Aerodromes

WET and DRY AERODROMES ONLY

12
 The RCAM supports the classification of runway surface conditions
according to their effect on aeroplane braking performance using a set of
criteria identified and quantified based on the best industry knowledge, built
on dedicated flight testing and in-service experience.

Contaminants
Observations
RWYCC

AIREPs
Depth

13
GCAA CAR ADR
4.11.4 Runway Surface Condition(s) (Applicable 4th November 2021)

4.11.4.1 The runway surface condition shall be assessed and reported

through a runway condition report including a runway condition code
(RWYCC) and a description using the following terms:

1. DRY
2. STANDING WATER
3. WET

14
GCAA CAR ADR
4.11.4 Runway Surface Condition(s) (Applicable 4th November 2021)

4.11.4.2 Whenever an operational runway is contaminated, an assessment

of the contaminant depth and coverage over each third of the runway shall
be made and reported.

15
GRF on Runway Surface Conditions

Module 2 : Using the RCAM

 Identify the main agencies roles and key responsibilities in SOP 115
 Demonstrate how to assess runway conditions and contaminant types
 Demonstrate how to determine the % coverage and depth for each
runway third covered by contaminants
 Explain under what circumstances a runway condition assessment
must be conducted

16
 THE MAIN AGENCIES ROLES

AIRPORTS ATS / AIS PILOTS

Assess the RWY Convey information Use information

condition and report from RCR to with aircraft
using RCR Aircraft Operators performance data
to determine if
ATC – RT/ATIS landing or take-off
AIS – SNOWTAM is safe

17
  Supervisory role and ensure RCR is issued
 Initiate the process – “significant change”
 Monitors weather forecast – adverse weather
 If a NOTAM that your RWY “may be slippery when wet” is
present – brief RWY inspector
DM
 Listening watch on pilot reports – radio comms

 Conduct RUNWAY, TAXIWAY and APRON surface

condition assessment and reporting as per SOP 115

AOO

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 General Guidelines

 Ensure vehicle for inspection is in good working order

 Ensure all necessary equipment, tools (ruler) are on the vehicle and fit for use
 Obtain ATC permission
 On entering RWY, a positive entry call must be made
 On leaving the runway, ATC must be advised when clear of the runway
 Runway surface conditions reported accurately!

REMEMBER
 Monitoring and accurately reporting prevailing runway surface
condition reduces the risk of runway excursion.
 Visibility could also greatly reduce in the event of adverse weather
which increases the risk of runway incursion by the inspection
vehicle.
 Heightened attention by the driver is necessary to increase
situational awareness.

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 Lower Runway Designation

ENTRY POINT: TWY A

20
 Runway Condition Code (RWYCC)

 A runway condition code (RWYCC) is assigned for each third of the runway,
which is a combination or result of:

Percent Type of Depth of

Coverage Contamination Contamination RWYCC

First 1/3 Second 1/3 Third 1/3

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 How to Assess the Coverage of the Contaminant

 Staff should assess the

coverage of contaminant for
each runway third (percentage).

Starting from the lower runway end

First 1/3 designator to the higher.

Second 1/3

Third 1/3 22
23
NOTE: Coverage could be scattered or in isolation on each runway thirds.

24
NOTE: Coverage could be scattered or in isolation on each runway thirds.

25
NOTE: Coverage could be scattered or in isolation on each runway thirds.

26
NOTE: Coverage could be scattered or in isolation on each runway thirds.

27
Percentage of each runway third covered by contaminant(s)

 If all thirds have <10% contaminant coverage – no report is generated

 If the contaminant coverage for that third is <10% = reported as “NR”, and
no contaminant is to be reported = RWYCC 6 (DRY)
 If the contaminant coverage is >=10% and <=25% = RWYCC 6 and 25%
coverage reported
 If the contaminant coverage >25%, RWYCC is based on the contaminant
Example:
100 / 100 / 100 Each runway third is 100% covered by contaminant.
 First third is 50% covered (half of the surface is covered)
50 / NR / 25  Middle third contaminant coverage is less than 10%
 Last third is 25% covered (quarter of the surface is covered)
NR / NR / NR Runway is completely dry.

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify percent coverage

1. First 1/3 25%

2. Second 1/3 50%

3. Third 1/3 75%

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify per cent coverage

4. First 1/3 100%

5. Second 1/3 50%

6. Third 1/3 NR

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify per cent coverage

7. First 1/3 25%

8. Second 1/3 75%

9. Third 1/3 100%

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 Depth of Contaminant(s)

The depth is reported as:

 Two or three digit number representing the assessed depth in millimeters
(mm) of the contaminant for each runway third.
 Where contaminant depth is not being reported (<=3mm), enter ‘NR’.
 For STANDING WATER, 04 (4mm) is the minimum depth value at and
above which the depth is reported. (From 3mm and below, the runway third
is considered WET)
 Above 4mm for STANDING WATER an assessed value is reported and
significant change relates to observed change from this assessed value.

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 Depth of Contaminant(s)

Example:
05 / 05 / 05 Depth of contaminant is 5mm on each third of the runway.
 First third depth of contaminant is 4mm.
04 / NR / 06  Middle third depth of contaminant 1mm.
 Last third is depth of contaminant 6mm.
NR / NR / NR Runway is completely dry.

QUESTION: Why does reporting depth levels matter? When it

appears that the RWYCC is the same for all depths more than 3mm.

ANSWER: For TAKE-OFF the flight crew must account for the
potential of impingement drag forces that could be significantly
different based on the actual depth of the contaminant.

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify depth of water
10. Identify the depth of the water.

Second 1/3 50%

4 mm

WATER

RUNWAY SURFACE
2

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify depth of water
11. Identify the depth of the water.

First 1/3 25%

6
2 mm

WATER
RUNWAY SURFACE 6

Reported depth: “NR”

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify the Depth of Contaminant

A. 03 / 03 / NR
B. 04 / 04 / 04
12. Depth of contaminant is 4mm on each third of the runway
C. 04 / 03 / 05
D. NR / 04 / 05
A. NR / 05 / 02
13. Depth of the water is 5mm on the second third, 3mm on the B. 03 / 05 / 02
first third and 2mm on the last third C. NR / 05 / NR
D. 06 / 05 / NR

14. Depth of the water is 1mm on the first and second third and
4mm on the last third
NR / NR / 04

15. Depth of the contaminant is 3mm on the second third, 6mm

07 / NR / 06
on the last third and 7mm on the first third

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 How to Assess Runway Surface Conditions

The accurate identification of the

type of contaminant present on the
runway is also critical to the
identification and reporting of
accurate RWYCC.
 Dry
 Wet
 Wet (“slippery wet” runway)
 Standing Water

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 How to Assess Runway Surface Conditions

 There are four runway surface conditions in the RCAM:

DRY WET SLIPPERY WET CONTAMINATED

When a significant
A wet runway where portion of the runway
Covered by any surface area (whether in
Surface is free of the surface friction
visible dampness or isolated areas or not)
visible moisture and characteristics of a
water that is 3mm or within the length and
not contaminated significant portion of width being used is
less in depth within
within the area the runway has been covered in standing
the intended area of
intended to be used determined to be water as per runway
use.
degraded. surface condition
descriptors.

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify the Contaminant Type

A. DRY / WET / DRY

B. DRY / DRY / DRY
16. The runway is completely dry
C. WET / WET / WET
D. DRY / DRY / STANDING WATER
A. STANDING WATER / DRY / DRY
17. The runway has 4mm depth of water B. STANDING WATER / STANDING
on both the first and last third, the second WATER / STANDING WATER
third however has 3mm depth of water C. STANDING WATER / WET /
STANDING WATER
18. The runway is wet on the first third and
the remaining surfaces of the runway are WET / DRY / DRY
dry

19. The runway has 2mm depth of water

STANDING WATER /
on the last third, 5mm on the first third and
6mm on the second third
STANDING WATER / WET

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 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify the RWYCC

Assessment on RWY Thirds RWYCC

20. There is 4mm of standing
water covering the runway
2
21. The runway is covered with
5
1mm of water
22. The full length of the runway
is completely dry
6
23. The pilot reports that the
runway braking action is GOOD
5
24. There is 6mm of standing
2
water covering the runway
25. The pilot reports that the
runway braking action is 2
MEDIUM TO POOR

40
 CLASS EXERCISE – Identify the RWYCC

A. NR / NR / NR
26. What would be the RWYCC if the runway was WET and B. 3/3/3
the pilot reported runway braking action as MEDIUM? C. 5/5/5
D. 6/5/2
A. NR / NR / 2
27. What would be the RWYCC if the first and second third of
B. 3/5/2
the runway is wet and the last third is covered with 5mm depth
C. 5/5/2
of water?
D. 6 / 5 / NR

28. What would be the RWYCC if the last third is dry and the
second and first third is covered with 1mm depth of water?
5/5/6

29. What would be the RWYCC if the second third is covered

with 10mm water, the first third is dry and the last third is also 6/2/6
dry.

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 Reporting the RCR via the Radio / RT

COVERAGE 100% COVERAGE 100% COVERAGE 100%

DEPTH 3mm DEPTH 3mm DEPTH 3mm
RWYCC 5 RWYCC 5 RWYCC 5
CONTAMINANT WET CONTAMINANT WET CONTAMINANT WET

Example RT :

AOO: Al Ain Tower, AOO call sign, runway vacated via TWY E, inspection completed,
runway condition report for RWY 01. RWY condition code 5,5,5. Contaminant type, WET,
WET, WET.

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 Reporting the RCR via the Radio / RT

COVERAGE 75% COVERAGE 100% COVERAGE 100%

DEPTH 3mm DEPTH 4mm DEPTH 4mm
RWYCC 5 RWYCC 2 RWYCC 2
CONTAMINANT WET STANDING STANDING
CONTAMINANT CONTAMINANT
WATER WATER

Example RT :

AOO: Al Ain Tower, AOO call sign, runway vacated via TWY E, inspection completed,
runway condition report for RWY 01. RWY condition code 5,2,2. Percent coverage, 75,
100, 100. Water depth, NR, 04, 04. Contaminant type, WET, STANDING WATER,
STANDING WATER.

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 How to Assess Runway Surface Conditions

Scan the surface of the runway from edge to edge and pay particular attention
on the following:
 Depth of the water at the TDZ area where aircraft wheels will contact the
runway
 Areas where water is accumulating (scattered or isolation) – measure depth
 Accumulated water on runway edge which effectively reduces the cleared
runway width – measure depth, measure affected area
 Any other significant observation that is likely to affect aircraft safety –
reported to ATC in plain language when reporting the RCR.

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 Cleared Runway Width

 Width of runway to which the RWYCCs apply if less than the published
width: two digit number representing the cleared runway in meters.

First 1/3 Second 1/3 Third 1/3

WATER

RWYCC = 5 25m RWYCC = 5 RWYCC = 5

WATER

5 5 5

25 m
Accumulated water on each side of the runway edge 15mm in depth.

45
GCAA CAR ADR
4.11.4 Runway Surface Condition(s)

4.11.4.4 Information that a runway or portion thereof is slippery wet shall be

made available.

4.11.4.5 Notification shall be given to relevant aerodrome users when the

friction level of a paved runway or portion thereof is less than the minimum
friction level specified in AMC-32. This shall be done by issuing a NOTAM
and shall describe the location of the affected portion.

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 RWYCC 3 – Slippery Wet

 Minimum 100m rolling average below the Minimum Friction Level (MFL) –
Aerodrome to issue a NOTAM declaring runway “may be slippery when wet”.

First 1/3 Second 1/3 Third 1/3

% coverage: < 25%

Depth of water: < 3mm % coverage: > 25% % coverage: > 25%
Depth of water: < 3mm Depth of water: > 4mm
RWYCC = 6 Dry
RWYCC = 3 RWYCC = 2
WET – Slippery Wet Standing Water

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 When to conduct a Taxiway and Apron condition assessment?

 Upon completion of runway inspections shall perform a taxiway condition

assessment.
 Upon completion of taxiway inspection shall perform an apron condition
assessment.
 Unsafe TWY ATC; Unsafe Apron/stand ATC and GAA Head of Airside

48
GRF on Runway Surface Conditions

Module 3 : Adjusting Runway Condition Codes

 Describe the significant changes that require new Runway Condition

Report to be issued.
 Describe the circumstances when to issue a new runway condition
report.
 Explain the importance of continuous monitoring of runway conditions
during deteriorating conditions.

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 ADJUSTED RUNWAY CONDITION CODES

▹ In special circumstances, runway surface conditions

may be more slippery or less slippery than the
RWYCC assigned by the RCAM process, which
may lead to:
 A DOWNGRADE if conditions are more slippery
than initial assessment (getting worse)
 An UPGRADE if conditions are less slippery
than initial assessment (getting better)

Your best judgement on prevailing weather

conditions and assessed runway surface
condition.

50
 WHEN TO ISSUE A NEW RCR?

▹ Change in reportable contaminant coverage.

 Any change in the percentage coverage for
contaminants that results in a different ‘25’ multiple is a
significant change and requires a new runway condition
report.

Example:
When percentage of coverage changes from 20% to 40%.
Report will change from 25% to 50%.

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 WHEN TO ISSUE NEW RCR?

▹ Change in contaminant type.

 When the runway becomes WET after having
STANDING WATER.

52
 WHEN TO ISSUE NEW RCR?

▹ Change in contaminant depth.

This is the minimum Standing Water of

depth (in mm). 4mm + 3mm (or more)
is a significant change.

NOTE:
 Water 3mm or less is reported without a depth.
 Increased rainfall – rising depth of standing water.

53
 WHEN TO ISSUE A NEW RCR?

▹ USE OF SPECIAL AIR REPORTS

The aerodrome operator should
re-assess the runway surface
condition if RWYCC 2 or better
has been reported and two
consecutive SPECIAL AIR-
REPORTS of POOR runway
braking action are received

54
 WHEN TO ISSUE A NEW RCR?

▹ USE OF SPECIAL AIR REPORTS

The aerodrome operator should re-
assess the runway surface
condition and consider the
suspension of operations on that
runway when one pilot has
reported a LESS THAN POOR
runway braking action

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 CONTINUOUS MONITORING

▹ Changes to the runway surface condition must be

updated and appropriately disseminated so aircraft
operators are aware of the current conditions
before continuing with their operations.
▹ Contaminants shall be removed from the surface of
runways in use as rapidly and completely as
possible to minimize accumulation.
▹ Maintain a vigilant runway inspection process to
ensure accurate runway condition reports during
rapidly changing conditions – during and after
heavy rain.
▹ RCRs issued by SNOWTAM have a validity of
8 hours max.

56
GRF on Runway Surface Conditions

Module 4 : Issuing the Runway Condition Report (RCR)

 Methodology of the Runway Condition Report (RCR)

 Complete the Runway Condition Report
 SNOWTAM Format

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 RUNWAY CONDITION REPORT (RCR)

 To complete a Runway Condition Report (RCR) the following

information will need to be available:
Example:

Airport ICAO Lower runway Depth of

MMDDhhmm RWYCC % coverage
4-letter code designator contaminant (mm)

OMAL 07080945 01 3/5/2 100/100/100 NR/NR/05

WET/WET/STANDING WATER

Contaminant type Contaminant type Contaminant type

First third Second third Last third

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 CLASS EXERCISE
 Complete a Runway Condition Report based on the available information
and using the RCAM .
30. Sir Bani Yas Airport (OMBY), runway 13/31 on 12 July 2022 at 0650UTC. Runway is dry on the
last third but wet with 3mm of water on the first and second third of the runway.
Airport MMDDhhmm RWY RWYCC % Coverage Depth of Contaminant Contaminant Type
OMBY
_____ __________ 13
07120650 ____ 5 / 5 / 6 100
_______ __________ NR / NR / NR
/ 100 / NR _________________ WET / WET / DRY
_______________

31. Delma Island Airport (OMDL), runway 17/35 on 10 May 2022 at 0815UTC. Runway 35 is in use
for arrivals and departures and it has been raining since 0750UTC. On RWY 35 the first part is
covered with 15% of water and the second part is 65% covered with 5mm water. The last third
when assessed was completely covered with 3mm water.
Airport MMDDhhmm RWY RWYCC % Coverage Depth of Contaminant Contaminant Type
WET / STANDING
OMDL
_____ __________ 17
05100815 ____ 5 / 2 / 6 __________
_______ 100 / 75 / 25 NR / 05 / NR
_________________ _______________
WATER / DRY

59
 CLASS EXERCISE
 Using the RCAM, conduct a runway condition assessment and report the
adjustments. Provide the whole information string.

32. 28 November 2021, at Al Ain International Airport (OMAL), runway 13/31 at

0118UTC. Heavy rain started 20 minutes earlier with runway 31 in use. The
runway was completely covered with 3mm water.

60
 CLASS EXERCISE
 Using the RCAM, conduct a runway condition assessment and report the
adjustments. Provide the whole information string.

32. 28 November 2021, at Al Ain International Airport (OMAL), runway 13/31 at

0118UTC. Heavy rain started 20 minutes earlier with runway 31 in use. The
runway was completely covered with 3mm water.

33. An hour later with continuous rain, the first and second thirds from runway
31 was covered with 4mm water and the last third with 3mm water.

62
 CLASS EXERCISE
 Using the RCAM, conduct a runway condition assessment and report the
adjustments. Provide the whole information string.

32. 28 November 2021, at Al Ain International Airport (OMAL), runway 13/31 at

0118UTC. Heavy rain started 20 minutes earlier with runway 31 in use. The
runway was completely covered with 3mm water.

33. An hour later with continuous rain, the first and second thirds from runway
31 was covered with 4mm water and the last third with 3mm water.

34. At 0500UTC, still raining and the runway’s second third was still completely
covered with 4mm of water and the other thirds wet.

64
 CLASS EXERCISE
 Using the RCAM, conduct a runway condition assessment and report the
adjustments. Provide the whole information string.

32. 28 November 2021, at Al Ain International Airport (OMAL), runway 13/31 at

0118UTC. Heavy rain started 20 minutes earlier with runway 31 in use. The
runway was completely covered with 3mm water.

33. An hour later with continuous rain, the first and second thirds from runway
31 was covered with 4mm water and the last third with 3mm water.

34. At 0500UTC, still raining and the runway’s second third was still completely
covered with 4mm of water and the other thirds wet.

35. At 1700UTC the Runway was still wet but with less than 25% coverage on
every runway thirds.
66
 SNOWTAM - A special series
NOTAM given in a standard
format, which provides a surface
condition report notifying the
presence or cessation of
hazardous conditions due to
standing water on the movement
area.

69
 SNOWTAM REQUEST

In the event of a reported RWYCC 2 (water depth > 3mm

deep) in any runway thirds of the assessed runway, the ASO
will call the GAA Head of Airside Safety GAA Head of Airside
Safety and will request a SNOWTAM to be issued by AIS as
per the RCR in the RCAC.
The GAA Head of Airside Safety must verify the issued
SNOWTAM for correctness of inform ANS and AIS to issue
SNOWTAM accordingly.

70
SNOWTAM Example:

 Mandatory Information:

A) B) C) D) E) F)

G)

71
The Situational Awareness Section of the Runway
Condition Report should also be used to provide
additional contextual information:

 Reduced runway length, if less than published

length (m)
 Loose sand on the runway
 Taxiway conditions
 Apron conditions
 Plain language remarks

Reference to the format to be used for such

information can be found in:
 Doc 9981 PANS Aerodromes Part II
 Doc 10066 PANS AIM Appendix 4

72
Completed by AIS

OMAL
07080945
01
3/5/2
100/100/100
NR/NR/05
WET/WET/
STANDING WATER

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 RWY 01 REDUCED TO 2100.

RWY 01 LOOSE SAND.

TWY T1 POOR.
ALL APRONS POOR.

 The maximum validity of SNOWTAM is 8 hours.

 New SNOWTAM shall be issued whenever a new runway condition report
(RWYCC 2 or 3) is received.
 A SNOWTAM cancels the previous SNOWTAM.

74
REMEMBER…

Monitoring and accurately reporting prevailing runway

surface condition reduces the risk of runway excursion.

Visibility could also greatly reduced in the event of adverse weather

which increases the risk of runway incursion by the inspection vehicle.

Heightened attention by the driver is necessary to increase

situational awareness.

75
Thank You

76