Contaminated Runway

Contaminated Runway is a runway where more than 25% of the required length and width is covered by standing water deeper than 3 mm, or by compacted snow, ice, slush, wet snow, or dry snow exceeding specified depths. Operating on contaminated runways requires specific performance assessments and may be prohibited for some aircraft types.

• Contaminants: standing water (>3 mm), slush, wet snow, dry snow, compacted snow, ice
• Each contaminant type has a different braking coefficient and drag effect
• Takeoff and landing distances significantly increase
• Some operators prohibit operations on runways contaminated with ice or slush
• SNOWTAM/NOTAM reports contaminant type, depth, and braking action