Safety issue

Safety issue description

The operator's documentation required crew to consider contamination of runways at the departure and destination airports. However, the provided definition and guidance did not include the means to identify water contamination from active rainfall.
Issue number AO-2020-002-SI-01
Issue owner Network Aviation
Transport function Aviation: Air transport
Issue status Closed – Adequately addressed
Date issue released 01/09/2021
Issue status justification

The safety action provides flight crews with clear information to assess and mitigate the hazard of contaminated runways.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2020-002-PSA-01
Organisation Network Aviation
Action date 31/01/2021
Action description

On 31 January 2020, the following guidance was issued by Network Aviation:

  • A flight standing order in relation to planning to Limited Runways which required the crew to plan for an alternate on runways less than 2,200 m, when there is a possibility of wet runway, and crosswind greater than 20 knots.
  • An accompanying Memorandum with detailed explanations for determining moderate and heavy rainfall and the effect on landing distance required for wind corrections in wet and dry conditions.
  • A flight standing order which banned an approach (unless a greater emergency exists) to non‑controlled aerodromes where moderate or heavy rain is reported or observed.
Action status Closed