Page 41 - Volume 15 Number 2

runway, such as “runway 18 Mu reported as 38, 32, 24.”
If all three numbers are greater than 40, the Mu readings are not necessarily reported. While there really isn’t a conversion chart for braking action to Mu readings, as a rule of thumb, 40 and up is at least “fair;” 18 to 36 is “poor” and anything under 18 is “nil.”
Remember, nil means you go off the far end the same speed you touch down on the near end. There will be trips in the winter where it is safe to fly the trip but we have to change the destination airport due to its surface conditions. When flying into the smaller fields, do your homework and call the airport before you depart to ask them about the runway conditions. Don’t assume everything is fine just because there is no NOTAM.
Hopefully, these tips and hints will come in handy when operating in these conditions. For pilots who haven’t flown in ice, it’s always a good idea to try to fly with someone who has some experience, in order to get a level of proficiency and to learn what is OK and what needs immediate action. This will take away some of the “scary” without losing any of the respect.
Should the weather seem too intense when planning a flight, tell yourself: When in doubt – wait it out. Or a guideline I use for many situati•ons: If you have to think about it twice, you probably shouldn’t do it. T&T
Chuck Blackaby is president of Endeavor Aircraft, Inc. of Alpena, Mich., an aircraft ser- vice company specializing in aircraft sales, custom paint and interior refurbishments. A commercial, single and multi- engine and instrument rated pi- lot, Chuck has been flying since 1974 and has 4,500 hours in 28 different aircraft types. You can reach him at (989) 464-6991 or by e-mail at chuck@endeav- oraircraft.com.
Runway condition is reported as Mu readings in three sets of numbers outlining the approach end, middle and rollout end of the runway, such as “runway 18 Mu reported as 38, 32, 24.” Remember, nil means you go off the far end the same speed you touch down on the near end.
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FEBRUARY 2011
­TWIN & TURBINE • ­39