Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01244:front:0:p42
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01244
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 138401–141255

combinations of these, which provide information to aircraft and vehicles on, or using, the movement area of an aerodrome.

visual meteorological conditions (VMC) means meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling, equal to or better than specified minima.

VOR means VHF omnidirectional radio range.

WAM means wide area multilateration.

weight and mass, as used in this MOS, have the same meaning.

wheelbase means the distance from the nose gear to the geometric centre of the main gear.

Y location code means the international code prefix used to identify Australian aerodromes.

Example:  YMML identifies Melbourne Airport.

       (3) In addition to any relevant definitions contained in subsection (2), the following definitions apply for applicable provisions in relation to runway surface conditions:

contaminant means matter present on the surface of a runway that meets one or more of the following runway surface condition descriptors:

(a) compacted snow, being snow that has been compacted into a solid mass such that aeroplane tyres, at operating pressures and loadings, will run on the surface without significant further compaction, or rutting of the surface;

(b) dry snow, being snow from which a snowball cannot readily be made;

(c) frost, being frost that consists of ice crystals formed from airborne moisture on a surface whose temperature is below freezing;

        Note 1   Frost differs from ice in that the frost crystals grow independently and, therefore, have a more granular texture.

        Note 2   Below freezing refers to air temperature equal to or less than the freezing point of water (0 degrees Celsius).

        Note 3   Under certain conditions, frost can cause the surface to become very slippery and it is then reported appropriately as reduced braking action.

(d) ice, being water that has frozen, or compacted snow that has transitioned into ice, in cold and dry conditions;

(e) slush, being snow that is so water-saturated that it will splatter if stepped on forcefully, or from which water will drain when a handful is picked up;

(f) standing water, being water of a depth greater than 3 mm;

       Note   By convention, running water of a depth greater than 3 mm is reported as standing water.

(g) wet ice, being ice with water on top of it, or ice that is melting;

       Note   Freezing precipitation can lead to runway conditions associated with wet ice in relation to aeroplane performance. Wet ice can cause the surface to become very slippery. It is then reported appropriately as reduced braking action in accordance with section 12.04A of this MOS. For guidance, see also Multi-Part AC 91-32 and AC 139-22 v2.0, Global reporting format – Runway surface condition.

(h) wet snow, being snow that contains enough water content to be able to