What is the role of skid resistance in pavement maintenance for airfields?

• A. Skid resistance is irrelevant for airfields.
• B. Only necessary for road vehicles, not aircraft.
• C. Ensures safe vehicle traction and aircraft ground operations; maintain skid resistance through testing and resurfacing when needed.
• D. High skid resistance should never be reduced.

Answer: (C)

Friction between tires and pavement is what lets aircraft and ground vehicles maintain control and stop safely on airfield surfaces. Skid resistance is crucial because during landing roll, braking must decelerate a heavy aircraft quickly and predictably, and during takeoff roll it affects directional control and acceleration. On taxiways and aprons, adequate friction keeps ground support equipment from skidding or losing control, especially in wet, icy, or contaminated conditions. Therefore maintaining skid resistance means regularly testing pavement friction under different weather and contamination scenarios and performing resurfacing, grooving, or treatment when measurements fall below acceptable levels. Grooving concrete runways, for example, can improve wet friction and reduce hydroplaning risk, helping ensure safe ground operations across all conditions.