The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Chennai airport runway surface in good shape

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Friday, Jun 29, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Chennai airport runway surface in good shape

Staff Reporter

Friction test done once a month with a specially designed car

Friction levels found to be 0.56, allowing aircraft to land without directional control problems
As per guidelines, if 91-150 turbo-jet planes land in an airport, test has to be done once a month

CHENNAI: A friction test conducted on the runway of the Chennai airport last week showed that its surface is in good condition.

During the test, conducted using a specially designed car, friction levels were found to be 0.56, allowing aircraft to land without undue directional control problems, say Airports Authority of India officials.

AAI Regional Director K. Ramalingam says the test is conducted once a month at the airport. The periodicity is based on the level of turbojet operations. As per guidelines, if 91to 150 turbo jets land in an airport, the test has to be conducted once a month. Nearly 100 turbo jets land a day in Chennai according to Mr. Ramalingam.

Sophisticated system

The test vehicle is a sophisticated measurement system of both operational and calibration measurement. It can transmit data to the Air Traffic Control within a short period of time.

The vehicle has a small wheel attached to the rear side.

The tyre of the wheel is made of the same material as a normal aircraft tyre and the shape and tread are similar.

When operated on the runway with the tyres touching the ground, it friction readings, which are correlated with true friction values obtained from aircraft operations.

Braking action test

AAI officials use the friction tester on a clean surface at speeds of 65, 95 or 130 kmph. Similarly, braking action tests are conducted on the usable length of the runway.

Periodical testing of the runway surface is done to ensure the safety of flights, Mr. Ramalingam adds.

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