Ignition Override,
Here in Canada the airport operator will issue a "Canadian Runway Friction Index" or "CFRI", this is similar to the old "James Brake Index" or "JBI".
Transport Canada publishes a chart that shows recommended maximum crosswind components for reported CFRI values.
In my experience as a B727 pilot these recommended crosswind maximums are realistic and for the most part what I use as a limiting factor.
For example, from the chart, with a reported CFRI of O.30 the recommended maximum crosswind component is 10 knots.
It should be pointed out that these are recommended values and the type and extent of the runway contamination will also factor into the decision. A reported CFRI on a partially covered gravel runway at a very cold temperature is not quite the same as a reported CFRI on an paved icy runway with the temperature just below freezing.
My primary experience dealing with contaminated runways has been in Canada, where for the most part reported conditions are up to date and accurate, although there is certainly room for improvement.
I'm curious how this situation is handled in other parts of the world ? Are "friction indexes" reported at the airports you regularly operate into ? I'd be particularly interested in comments from pilots operating in the US and Northern Europe.
JC