Low vis takeoff on contaminated runways
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: World
Low vis takeoff on contaminated runways
For the Bus and Boeing experts in this forum: Does anyone know what is the minimum allowed RVR when taking off from contaminated runways? 
I have been searching everywhere and I don't find any sustained information about this. I heard some companies use 200m as the minimum RVR (which makes sense to me), but other than that I don't find anything written about this subject.
I have been searching everywhere and I don't find any sustained information about this. I heard some companies use 200m as the minimum RVR (which makes sense to me), but other than that I don't find anything written about this subject.
Only half a speed-brake
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 136
From: Commuting not home
There is no regulatory (EASA land) requirement, to increase any margins for LVTO such as TOGA thrust, flap setting, contamination or wind components.
Some operators do feel, perhaps based on their own experience, that it is prudent to make LVTO a more conservative, strictly standardized operation. Hence some additional requirements such as C/L only with PBRK=ON. Such approach is admirable, and some of the restrictions may even come from the manufacturer's suggested SOPs. CM1=PF perhaps.
Unless extremely clearly worded in the manuals and well explained, those additional requirements could become a source of confusion for line crews. Writing unambiguous manuals and explaining things to pilots are, both of them independently, forms of black art.
Some operators do feel, perhaps based on their own experience, that it is prudent to make LVTO a more conservative, strictly standardized operation. Hence some additional requirements such as C/L only with PBRK=ON. Such approach is admirable, and some of the restrictions may even come from the manufacturer's suggested SOPs. CM1=PF perhaps.
Unless extremely clearly worded in the manuals and well explained, those additional requirements could become a source of confusion for line crews. Writing unambiguous manuals and explaining things to pilots are, both of them independently, forms of black art.
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 86
From: England
Approvals for very low vis takeoff (<250m?) may be based on the availability and/or spacing of centreline lighting.
If the runway contamination reduces the lighting then a higher vis should be used.
If the runway contamination reduces the lighting then a higher vis should be used.
