The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently met with members of the aviation industry to discuss new safety standards for operating in inclement weather.
Best practices were discussed for accessing and reporting field conditions using the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) via Notices to Airman (NOTAM). RCAM can be used to determine estimated aircraft braking so airports and aircraft operators can make informed decisions.
In October, the FAA implemented recommendations for the Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA). The assessment standardizes a method of reporting runway conditions and was implemented to reduce the risk of runway accidents and incidents caused by weather.
At the meeting, the FAA examined the first winter using TALPA. NOTAMS were published between October and April.
The FAA does not have a similar rule in place to govern aircraft operation during the summer.
There is no maximum temperature for cabins in grounded aircraft. Airlines set their own regulations, many allowing the temperature to reach as high as 90 degrees.
“Airlines and regulators do not consider temperature to be a safety issue,” Association of Flight Attendants spokeswoman Taylor Garland said. “Therefore, it’s low on the list of priorities when it comes to on-time departures.”
Pilots often turn off air conditioning when on the tarmac to save on fuel.