Braking Action "Nil"

[Fly_Unity]

Today the MU values was reported as 18/17/19.

As I was taking off in the King Air, Airport operations said takeoff was not authorized. Asked if the runway was still open because it wasnt notamed out. They replied that runway was still open, but the MU value was below 20. I replied that the it wasnt applicable to us (and its not according to our GOM and Opspecs).


Lets say they came back and reported braking action as "NIL". Are we legal to takeoff Part 91? What about 135? What about the super cub with skies that was landng at the time? If I can NOT takeoff, why not? besides the 91.13 rule about being careless and reckless.

 

[dasleben]

Check your GOM, but I've never worked for a company that allowed for takeoff or landing with braking action reported as "nil," as long as that report was from a reputable source. Part 91 is another story, and I think the only limitation would be 91.13 if you bent metal. Beyond that, the airport can close down at whatever braking action report it wants; in fact, we diverted the other day because an airport wouldn't allow us to land with braking action reported as "poor." Not much you can do if they won't let you land.

 

[braunpilot]

I know of Op Specs that decree it's up to the PIC. And the FAA let out a letter of clarification recently on an AC that states if NIL is reported then you must close the runway until runway conditions can improve. Let me see if I can find that info.

 

[braunpilot]

AC 150/5200-30C

Section 5

a. Runway closures. The previously accepted philosophy of the aviation industry was that the airport operator was obligated to provide an accurate description of the runway conditions, and it was solely up to the pilot to decide if the runway was safe for use. Accident data do not support such a philosophy, and FAA Flight Standards Service has determined that operations on runways reported as having NIL braking are inherently unsafe. Admittedly, this is a conservative approach considering the variation in pilot braking action reporting, but considering the possible consequences of ignoring a NIL braking action report, requirements for closure of runways are presented in paragraph 5-6 below

........................


5-6. Requirements For Runway Closures. The following circumstances require the prescribed action by the airport operator:

a. A NIL pilot braking action report (PIREP), or NIL braking action assessment by the airport operator, requires that the runway be closed before the next flight operation. The runway must remain closed until the airport operator is satisfied that the NIL condition no longer exists.

I'm still trying to find the letter of clarification from the FAA to airports.