Chennai: Pilots have to be extra careful from now while landing at Chennai airport, especially on rainy days. The problem of a slippery runway has re-surfaced. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has informed airmen in a notice that the friction co-efficient of the main runway at Chennai airport has gone “below the notified value of 0.34 and is liable to be slippery when wet.”
“If friction co-efficient is below 0.34, it is dangerous when runway is wet. The DGCA should stop operations in wet conditions,” said aviation expert Capt A. Ranganathan. The friction coefficient reduces when the rubber from the aircraft tyre gets deposited on the runway. It could potentially lead to skidding of the aircraft. To improve friction coefficient, the milling work to remove rubber deposits should be done.
“Currently the friction coefficient level on the main runway at Chennai airport is slightly less than 0.34 at the intersection. It is around 0.32 to 0.34. As per the laid down safety procedure, remedial action is being taken. Due to continued operations at the airport, the balance work will be completed on Tuesday during the maintenance period between 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm,” said Chennai airport assistant general manager (PR) Harbhajan Singh.
22/07/14 S. Sujatha/Deccan Chronicle
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“If friction co-efficient is below 0.34, it is dangerous when runway is wet. The DGCA should stop operations in wet conditions,” said aviation expert Capt A. Ranganathan. The friction coefficient reduces when the rubber from the aircraft tyre gets deposited on the runway. It could potentially lead to skidding of the aircraft. To improve friction coefficient, the milling work to remove rubber deposits should be done.
“Currently the friction coefficient level on the main runway at Chennai airport is slightly less than 0.34 at the intersection. It is around 0.32 to 0.34. As per the laid down safety procedure, remedial action is being taken. Due to continued operations at the airport, the balance work will be completed on Tuesday during the maintenance period between 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm,” said Chennai airport assistant general manager (PR) Harbhajan Singh.
22/07/14 S. Sujatha/Deccan Chronicle
