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

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

Key Takeaways:

Pilot Reports (PIREPS) are the primary resource for determining runway braking action, and they should follow FAA guidelines by using specific terms (good, medium, poor, nil) and including details about the affected runway portion and aircraft type.
Braking action information may also be included in ATIS reports, and pilots should use clear landmarks for reporting in low visibility conditions.
Critical pilot technique for slippery runways includes managing energy, employing short- and soft-field landing techniques, and utilizing aerodynamic braking to avoid over-relying on wheel brakes.

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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: