How Do I Report Braking Action?

Be sure to note the details in pilot reports when you conduct your preflight planning.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 01:51 PM ET

Verified

Pilot reports about the braking action are very useful for planning during rainy or icy weather. [Credit: Jim Stevenson]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots should primarily rely on pilot reports (PIREPS) for current runway braking action, which use standardized FAA terms like "good," "medium," "poor," or "nil," along with specific runway sections and aircraft type.
ATIS may also provide information regarding braking action, supplementing pilot reports.
When braking conditions are less than optimal, critical pilot technique such as slow and soft touchdowns with aerodynamic braking is essential to manage energy and avoid solely relying on wheel brakes at the end of the runway.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: The runway at my airport measures 3,650 feet by 60 feet. Because it is winter, there’s a lot of rain, and sometimes ice, which can make the runway really slippery, yet people are still flying. Everyone tells the story about the Cessna pilot who slid off the end of the runway because of slick conditions—I don’t want to be chapter two. How do I know if my brakes are going to be enough? I don’t want to run out of braking power and runway at the same time.

Answer: