Wet Runway Operations

Wet Runway Operations involve the additional procedures and performance calculations required when the runway surface is covered with water (depth less than 3mm). Wet conditions affect braking, directional control, and required distances.

• Landing distance: Wet landing distance is typically 1.15× (15% longer than) dry landing distance
• Hydroplaning: At speeds above the hydroplaning speed, tires ride on a layer of water — braking effectiveness near zero
• Hydroplaning speed formula: Vp = 9 × √(tire pressure in PSI)
• Braking action reports: GOOD, GOOD-MEDIUM, MEDIUM, MEDIUM-POOR, POOR, or NIL
• Contaminated vs. wet: >3mm standing water is 'contaminated' (requires separate performance data)
• Crosswind limits may be reduced on wet runways
• Grooved runways provide better drainage and braking than non-grooved surfaces