Description

The term Runway Maintenance is usually used to refer to activity required to keep the runway in a safe condition for aircraft use. Whilst this self evidently means making sure that the integrity of the top surface is absolute, it is also defined in terms of minimum surface friction.

Runway Occupancy for Surface Maintenance Purposes

The necessary occupancy for runway maintenance activity is achieved by access when a runway is scheduled for closure anyway such as overnight, or for longer periods during which part or all of a runway is taken out of service. If a runway is going to be unavailable when an airport is open then a NOTAM must be used to advise accordingly. Whilst such NOTAMS are available in Airport Flight Briefing facilities and, increasingly, online, many larger aircraft operators take responsibility for making their flight crew aware of relevant NOTAMS through their own directly-provided procedure or an equivalent sub contract service provision.