TP 13579 PROCEEDINGS of the 2nd International Meeting ... - UQAC

IMAPCR ’99
Surface Friction and Index Development
180. Thomas Thorsten Meyer, Operations Manager, Munich International Airport, began by
remarking that winter runway conditions are one of the last major safety issues that the
airports face. Over 75 percent of aircraft accidents take place near airports and most
accidents are due to winter conditions. The key to safety is to provide pilots with the
assistance necessary to conduct the flight safely, by recording and reporting runway
conditions and communicating them to the pilot. Airport authorities also require this
information.
181. Mr. Meyer said that while the program is still an American, Canadian, and Norwegian
endeavour, the European Union is interested in close partnership and sponsoring, as
evidenced by a friction conference held in Munich in October 1999. He called on airlines to
take a more active role in offering their aircraft for tests. The Munich Airport facility will be
used to test wide-body aircraft in winter 2000.
182. Mr. Meyer also touched on environmental protection as a critical issue, particularly as it
relates to deicing materials used on runways.
183. In response to questions about testing at Munich International Airport, Mr. Meyer said that
Lufthansa and Condor Airlines plan to participate in the testing by providing equipment and
friction figures from black boxes. The work will be dedicated aircraft testing, performed at
night, with in-line crew on board.
184. Other issues raised in the question period related to the use of old technology in
measurement devices. Comments were made regarding program support and opportunities
to engage manufacturers in the development of new devices and prototypes, as many
opportunities are available for their participation.
185. In response to a comment that pressure to use the index might impose a burden on
operators who rely on other monitoring methods and experience, Mr. Condon, of the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport commented that they have been following their own tests and
checklists to determine runway and operations safety. They have been using the SAAB
continuous friction measurement vehicle to monitor all types of runway conditions,
alongside experience and a common sense approach to determine when to shut down
runways. This has resulted in fewer and shorter closings and a decrease in the number of
incidents. He made the point that many airports are doing things that work without much
emphasis on existing regulations and guidance. Mr. Meyer commented that R&D should
remain in close touch with the airports to follow up on their practical approaches.
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