FICON

• FICON stands for field condition notices to airmen.
  • Used to communicate slipperiness level of runway surface due to snow, ice, etc.
  • RCC (runway condition code) consists of 3 numbers separated by slashes, each relating to the slipperiness level of touchdown, midpoint, and rollout thirds of the runway.
  • RCC levels are from 0 (absolutely no traction) to 6 (bone dry).
  • At least 25% of the surface must be affected for the RCC code to be generated.
  • FICONs contain percentages within the notam for each third of the runway.
  • FICONs can also contain info about plowed widths, deicing, snowbanks, etc.
  • No RCC code of zero is issued, and Part 139 airports must close any runway that has an RCC code of zero.
  • RCC codes are only used on paved surfaces.
• The RCAM (runway condition assessment matrix) generates RCC codes based on braking action, Mu readings, and runway surface contamination descriptions.
• The RCC code levels can be zero (0), one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), five (5), or six (6).
• The RCC is related to the slipperiness of the surface.
• The RCC code will consist of three numbers separated by slashes.
  • Example: 4/3/3 represents the touchdown, midpoint, and rollout thirds of the runway with slipperiness values of 4, 3, and 3 respectively.
  • The code 5/5/5 represents the whole runway as having the same slipperiness value of 5.
• Airport managers are only supposed to issue FICONs for the active runways and only for one direction.
• FICONs can include contaminants like snow and ice percentages for each third of the runway.

• Relevant information on FICON:
  • Importance of understanding Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) for interpreting FICON NOTAMs during winter
  • Large airports use equipment to physically measure runway grip and convert it into condition code, while others report RCAM
  • RCAM is subjective and depends on honesty of the airport for reporting accurate conditions
  • Friction indices can create a false sense of safety and are being replaced with standardized RCAM-based runway condition reports
  • Personal minimums for GA pilots depend on airplane and runway conditions
  • PIREPs on braking action are important during winter

• A runway condition NOTAM, with “FICON” designator, must be issued every time a runway is wet at an airport.

  • The FICON NOTAM looks like this: 10/009 XXX RWY 23 FICON 5/5/5 100 PRCT WET OBSERVED AT 1610011046. 1610011046-1610021046

    • The NOTAM indicates that the runway is wet (100 PRCT WET) and gives the date and time that the observation was made (1610011046).

    • It is only in effect from the date and time of the observation until 24 hours later (1610011046-1610021046).

  • The FAA requires Part 139 airports to issue wet surface RwyCC NOTAMs.

    • The FAA will highly encourage airports to report “wet” conditions (1/8th inch or less of water) when it is the only condition present on the runway.

  • The full FICON will breakdown the contaminants on the runway by percentage for each condition value.

  • The runway condition codes (numeric values) should be issued by the controllers, and only the full NOTAM should be issued if requested by the pilot.

• The FAA will change Advisory Circular 150/5200-30D, Airport Field Condition Assessments and Winter Operations Safety, to remove the current requirement to report runway “wet” conditions (1/8th inch or less of water) when it is the only contaminant present.

• FICON reports show up in NOTAMs during summer and winter seasons, indicating the condition of runways.
  • Typically see FICON reports in the southern states during summer seasons and in cold winter climates.
• The three different numbers in the FICON report indicate the 3 different sections of the runway.
  • The touchdown third, midpoint third, and rollout third of the runway.
• The three numbers are the indication of how slippery that portion of the runway is, referred to as a Runway Condition Code (or RCC).
  • The lower the number, the more slippery the runway is.
  • The higher the number, the dryer the runway, which is scaled 0-6.
• RCC codes will generate only if at least 25% of the surface must be wet.
  • If there are spots of standing water, slush or snow, a FICON report will be issued to report the contaminants, but no codes will be generated.
• The Runway Condition Codes are only part of a FICON report.
  • A descriptor in the NOTAM will be published describing what percentage of the runway is affected and by what.
  • The braking action reports are separate from FICON reports and are issued by the airport manager.

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How is FICON used in the context of weather and runway conditions?

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What are the benefits and drawbacks of using FICON on a runway?

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What is the purpose of FICON on a runway?

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What is the maximum braking action required for FICON 5/5/5 on a runway?

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What is the minimum braking action required for FICON 3/3/3 on a runway?

• The Runway Assessment Condition Matrix (RCAM) is used to report runway conditions in the United States.
  • Airport personnel survey runways and report the type, depth, and coverage of contaminants found; this information corresponds to a Runway Condition Code (RwyCC) that is used by aircrews to assess landing performance.
    • RwyCCs are published in FICON NOTAMs and advertised by ATC, and range from 0 (or “nil”) to 6 (or “dry”); codes are published for each third of a runway.
  • In the past, runway conditions were based largely on friction readings gathered from decelerometers and vehicle braking reports.
  • The FAA expressed distrust in these data as an accurate measure of braking action, hence the introduction of RCAM, meant to be a more “objective” measurement.
  • Braking action reports are still solicited from aircrews, but are seen as more subjective.
• The weather on the morning of the accident was predictably difficult in Chicago.
  • The RwyCCs advertised during landing attempts were “5/5/5,” indicating that good braking could be expected.
    • Information was contradictory regarding braking conditions, reported by aircrews, making it confusing to pilots.
  • Continuous monitoring of the runway is required and includes multiple measures to identify trends in runway traction.
• Despite the reported RwyCC of “5/5/5,” poor braking action was reported by multiple flights.
• Braking action reports are subjective and potentially constantly changing, making it difficult to make accurate calculations without the most up-to-date information.
• There is no better way of organizing this information than the system currently in place, despite the government-generated slew of acronyms.

• Reddit user (13-year-old student) wants to buy a used mainframe for under $500.
  • Need to rent a truck with a lift gate to move the heavy mainframe.
  • Need to avoid buying machines with removed hard drives.
  • FICON and ESCON are important types of DASD (disk storage) to look for depending on the generation of the machine.
  • Large mainframes may draw significant power and generate a lot of heat, requiring special cooling equipment.
  • IBM only leases the software and licensing for mainframes.
  • Recommended places to look for used mainframes: government liquidation sites, r/vintagecomputers, and Cctalk mailing list.
  • Hercules is suggested as an alternative option for software enthusiasts.
  • Hardware enthusiasts should keep looking for cheaper options.
  • YouTube video recommended for information on buying a used mainframe.

• FICON project:
  • Convair B-36 Peacemaker carrying a Republic F-84 Thunderjet fighter was modified for a strike role.
  • McDonnell XF-85 Goblin escort fighter was a failure.
  • F-84 would return to the mothership and be carried home.
  • 1st hookup: 9 Jan 1952.
  • 1st retrieval in the bomb bay: 23 April 1952.
  • 1st complete system flight: 14 May 1952.
  • 170 airborne launches and retrievals were performed in Eglin Air Force Base with GRB-36/F-84E in 1953.
  • YRF-84F prototype replaced the F-84E with the role changing to reconnaissance with the RF-84F Thunderflash tactical reconnaissance fighter.
  • 10 production RB-36D to be converted to GRB-36D carriers with a complement of 25 RF-84K tactical reconnaissance fighters
  • Project cancelled in 1956.

• FICON stands for Field Condition.
  • It is a braking action report used in aviation.
  • Low numbers indicate less effective brakes.
• ATC may report FICON status during bad weather or poor runway conditions.
• These reports are important for pilots to know before landing or taking off.
• FICON 3/3/3 means that the braking action on the runway is poor or below standard.
• FICON 5/5/5 means that the braking action is good or above standard.
• FICON reports are important as they indicate how much distance a plane needs to takeoff or land and how much runway cushion is necessary in case of emergency.

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What is the best FICON product?