All Weather Operations Flashcards
What constitutes a “contaminated runway”?
Over more that 25% of any runway third:
Fluid that isn’t “thin”; OR
Any hard contaminant.
21/09/24
Is “wet ice” a hard contaminant or a fluid contaminant?
Hard
21/09/24
What take off performance should be selected if a runway is contaminated?
TOGA only.
Thrust reversers may be used (as opposed to for a dry runway, where thrust reversers credit is not applied. Note that the EFB performance will state “all reversers inoperative” for dry runway performance, but “all reversers operating” for anything that’s not “dry”).
24/09/24
You see a SNOWTAM for a Greek Island in summer. Is this normal?
Yes.
The SNOWTAM format contains the RCR (Runway Condition Report). The RCR states the RWYCC derived from the RCAM.
So a thunderstorm dumping loads of hail and rain onto a runway should result in a SNOWTAM being issued, and the RWYCC being added to the ATIS.
21/09/24
How do you find out what RWY COND to select for calculating take off performance?
Consult the RCAM.
21/09/24
Can the FO be PF for a contaminated runway take off?
No.
21/09/24
What depth of standing water may you not attempt take off in?
13mm (½”)
21/09/24
What depth of wet snow may you not attempt take off in?
30mm
25/09/24
What depth of dry snow may you not attempt take off in?
100mm
25/09/24
Where can you find the holdover times?
Cold Weather Quick Reference
25/09/24
If a crosswind exceeds 20kt, what are the considerations for take off?
Rolling take off is recommended. Use tailwind take off technique.
First Officer may not be PF (unless 25kt limit applies to that FO).
OMB amendment of late 2024 says that SFOs who have completed the FY25 EBT module 1 are limited to 25kt crosswind.
25/09/24
What is the minimum width for snow clearance on a runway?
30m
25/09/24
Taxiing OUT in wintery conditions: can you do a OETD?
OETD is not permitted if the taxiways are slippery or contaminated, or if LVPs are in force.
25/09/24
Taxiing IN in wintery conditions: can you do a OETA/SETWA?
If LVPs are in force, SETWA is not approved, but OETA is (in other words, you can do a single engine taxi but only with the APU).
Taxiways still need to be not contaminated.
25/09/24
What contamination is allowed on the aircraft?
FFURC - Frost on Fuselage, Underside, Cowls:
- Fuselage: thin hoar frost on the upper surface (providing ports and vents are clear)
- Underside: A light coating of frost up to 3mm thick on the underside of the wing, where the fuel is cold-soaked
- Radome
- Cowls
25/09/24
Explain the “clean wing” policy
Winter Operations Manual states, “totally clean or cleaned with deicing/anti-icing fluids that still protect the surface…”
25/09/24
What causes the red AUTOLAND light to illuminate?
RFLAG
Radio altimeters
Flare
Localiser
Autopilot
Glideslope
The red AUTOLAND light is armed below 200ft.
further information:
- Radio altimeters differ by >15ft
- Flare is long or untimely
- Localiser: deviation or loss of signal down above 15ft
- Autopilot loss
- Glideslope: deviation or loss of signal above 100ft
04/11/24
Explain minimum RVRs for take off.
The absolute lowest minimum is 125m reported RVR. This is subject to a 90m visual segment being available from the cockpit at the start of the take off run.
This is subject to runway edge and centreline lighting being available (runway centreline lighting must be spaced at 15m or less, edge lights at 60m or less).
This RVR value must be achieved by all relevant RVRs.
LIDO must also be consulted to see if minimum publised RVR for take off is higher.
25/09/24
If LVPs are not in force, what minima are required for take off?
400m, providing:
Day: runway edge lights and centreline markings;
Night: runway edge lights or centreline lights AND end lights.
25/09/24
What is the difference between FALS, IALS, BALS and NALS?
Remember: 720, 420, 210
- Full Approach Light System (>720m)
- Intermediate Approach Light System (420-719m)
- Basic Approach Light System (210-420m)
- No Approach Light System (<210m)
24/09/24