Post 2 - Environmental Factor - Wet Runways

 Hi Class,

This week I wanted to look more closely into landing performance on wet runways. As we read this week in our readings, wet runways can be extremely detrimental to the landing performance of aircraft. The two major factors that need to be considered is first, braking effectiveness. Braking effectiveness is the percentage of power that the pilot needs to apply to the brakes without allowing the aircraft to skid. When the runway is wet, there is a risk of dynamic hydroplaning, which is when the runway is covered with a layer of water that the wheels ‘ride’ on, leaving them unable to experience the friction of the runway and unable to brake effectively (“Aircraft Performance”, 2008, p. 11-1-11-28). 

Even if there is not a full coating of water on the runway, the water present can still prevent effective braking. One way that this risk can be decreased or mitigated is the use of grooved runways at airports, which is considered one of the best options. Not only does a grooved surface provide a better surface for creating friction with the wheels to slow them down, but it is also a way to prevent water layers on the runway surface. Drying times of runways have also been found to decrease (Dispenza, 2019). But these runways often have to be regularly maintained, as the busier the runway, the more rubber is built up within the grooves. The rubber build up can greatly interfere with the effectiveness of the grooves in creating friction, so friction during breaking can become more difficult. (Martin, 2020).

Wet runways can definitely play a large role in aircraft performance, particularly during landing. Many larger airports are working to add grooves into their runway for safety, but it must be considered that regular maintenance. But it is something that must be done, as rain and snow won’t wait for the planes! :)

References 

Aircraft performance. (2008). In Pilot's handbook of aeronautical knowledge (pp. 11-1-11-28). U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. 

Dispenza, K. (2019, April 15). Runway grooving: A good solution takes off. AviationPros. Retrieved November 21, 2021, from https://www.aviationpros.com/aoa/runway-management/taxiway-ramp-maintenance-training/article/12433064/runway-grooving-a-good-solution-takes-off 

Martin, S. (2020, January 2). How runway surface and slope affect your airplane's performance. bold method. Retrieved November 21, 2021, from https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/performance/runway-surface-and-slope/