AIM DECODED

4-3-9. Runway Condition Reports

By Chris Palmer, 2x Master Aviation Educator · Gold Seal CFI · Updated May 21, 2026

AIM 4-3-9 All of Chapter 4 →

AIM Text

  1. Aircraft braking coefficient is dependent upon the surface friction between the tires on the aircraft wheels and the pavement surface. Less friction means less aircraft braking coefficient and less aircraft braking response.
  2. Runway condition code (RwyCC) values range from 1 (poor) to 6 (dry). For frozen contaminants on runway surfaces, a runway condition code reading of 4 indicates the level when braking deceleration or directional control is between good and medium.
  3. Airport management should conduct runway condition assessments on wet runways or runways covered with compacted snow and/or ice.
    1. Numerical readings may be obtained by using the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM). The RCAM provides the airport operator with data to complete the report that includes the following:
      1. Runway(s) in use
      2. Time of the assessment
      3. Runway condition codes for each zone (touchdown, mid-point, roll-out)
      4. Pilot-reported braking action report (if available)
      5. The contaminant (for example, wet snow, dry snow, slush, ice, etc.)
    2. Assessments for each zone (see 4-3-9c1(c)) will be issued in the direction of takeoff and landing on the runway, ranging from “1” to “6” to describe contaminated surfaces.
    3. When any 1 or more runway condition codes are reported as less than 6, airport management must notify ATC for dissemination to pilots.
    4. Controllers will not issue runway condition codes when all 3 segments of a runway are reporting values of 6.
  4. When runway condition code reports are provided by airport management, the ATC facility providing approach control or local airport advisory must provide the report to all pilots.
  5. Pilots should use runway condition code information with other knowledge including aircraft performance characteristics, type, and weight, previous experience, wind conditions, and aircraft tire type (such as bias ply vs. radial constructed) to determine runway suitability.
  6. The Runway Condition Assessment Matrix identifies the descriptive terms “good,” “good to medium,” “medium,” “medium to poor,” “poor,” and “nil” used in braking action reports.

    FIG 4-3-7
    Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM)

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Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-3-9.

Research Notes

AIM 4-3-9 covers airport closing notification — how an airport's operational status is communicated to pilots when the field is closed or restricted.

Methods of closing an airport:

  • NOTAMs: Most common method. NOTAM-D (distant) for general distribution, NOTAM-L (local) for service items. Closed-airport NOTAMs typically state effective times.
  • X markings on runway: Large white "X" at runway threshold (or yellow on snow/ice) indicates closed runway.
  • Tower-issued: At towered airports, the controller will inform pilots if runway/airport is closing.
  • UNICOM advisory: At non-towered airports with UNICOM, the UNICOM operator may broadcast closing.

If you discover the airport is closed in flight: Don't land. Most closure NOTAMs are for safety reasons (construction, snow, emergency, runway damage). Divert to your alternate, or call FSS for guidance.

Pre-flight NOTAM check: § 91.103 (preflight action) implicitly requires NOTAM review. Failing to check NOTAMs and landing at a closed airport is a § 91.13 enforcement risk and a likely insurance issue.

Reference: § 91.103; FAA NOTAM search; AIM 4-3-9.

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