An analysis of the observations and experiences in regard to the new format of snowtam report

Abstract

This paper presents a new ICAO methodology for assessing and reporting runway surface conditions, commonly known as the Global Reporting Format (GRF) and its impact on flight crews and airline operation. It explains the background of the system and its effect on safe operation. Furthermore, it compares the current format of the SNOWTAM message with the old one applicable until November 2021. It also presents research which aims to enhance winter operations safety by gathering observations and experiences with the new format of a SNOWTAM report applicable as of 2021. The paper points out the experiences of flight crews gathered with a survey created by the author of this thesis. It also summarises the impact of the new methodology on airplane performance calculations backed by the research. The new system is expected to provide better understanding of the runway situation and give clearer information about contamination of the movement area.