For many parts of the country, spring is here or at least it’s getting close. But winter conditions still prevail in some areas. The northeast got hit hard last week, resulting in a Delta Airlines MD-88 ending up on the side of the runway. Water and snow have a great impact on landing performance. Here are some guidelines that you can follow to help you stay on the tarmac.
The landing distances published in the pilot’s operating handbook for various density altitudes are based on dry conditions and test pilot skills. Regardless of how good the conditions are, you should not attempt to land at a runway that is as short as the published takeoff and landing distances. You should know your limits and add a few hundred feet for good measure even if the surface is dry.
