Ever sat in a plane, watching the runway rush past just before takeoff? Most of us don’t give much thought to what’s happening under those massive aircraft wheels. 

But for pilots and airport crews, the runway’s grip—or lack of it—is a critical factor in ensuring a safe flight. Imagine driving on a slick road with worn-out tires; now, picture a 100-ton aircraft trying to land under similar conditions. Not ideal, right?

That’s why airports meticulously test surface friction to keep every takeoff and landing as safe as possible. Using advanced airport friction tester, the professionals determine whether the runway conditions are safe or not.

 

Why Does Runway Friction Matter?

 

Runway friction is all about how well an aircraft’s tires grip the surface when touching down for landing or speeding up for takeoff. When there’s plenty of grip, everything goes smoothly. 

But throw in some rain, snow, or even just rubber buildup from frequent landings, and things can get tricky. Too little friction can lead to skidding or hydroplaning, making landings feel less like a smooth touchdown and more like an unexpected ice-skating performance. Something no pilot (or passenger) wants to experience.

It is why runway surface testing for evaluating friction levels matters. 

 

How Do Airports Check Friction Levels?

 

Regulatory bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set clear guidelines for testing runway surfaces. 

There are a few main ways to measure runway friction, each designed to simulate real aircraft conditions.

 

Using Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME)

 

CFME sounds fancy, but it’s really just a specialized vehicle that mimics an aircraft’s braking efficiency. Different tools fall under this category:

  • Mu-Meter – A trailer-like device that’s towed behind a vehicle to measure friction.
  • Skiddometer – A vehicle with a dedicated measuring wheel that tests braking effectiveness.
  • GripTester – A portable tester used at various speeds to check surface grip.

 

Decelerometers

 

It is a handheld approach to measurement. These devices measure how quickly a vehicle slows down on the runway. 

They’re easy to use and provide instant feedback on surface conditions—great for quick assessments.

 

Water Film Thickness Testing

 

Water buildup on a runway is a major red flag. Special tools measure the thickness of standing water to determine if aircraft tires might lose traction. It is a method for checking for hydroplaning risks.

 

What Happens if a Runway Fails a Friction Test?

 

When a runway’s friction levels drop below safe limits, action is taken immediately. Here’s how airports fix the issue:

Rubber Removal – Over time, landing aircraft leave rubber deposits that reduce grip. Airports use high-pressure water blasting or chemicals to clean it up.

Grooving the Surface – Cutting small grooves into the runway helps drain water and improve traction.

De-icing & Snow Removal – In cold regions, airports apply anti-icing chemicals and plow snow to maintain friction.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Runway friction testing might not be something passengers think about, but it plays a huge role in aviation safety. Without regular monitoring and maintenance, landings could become much more dangerous. 

Interested in investing in an advanced airport friction tester? Get in touch with our experts at Dutco Tennant to learn more about our best-selling products.