ABARs / Airports
Improve runway performance with accurate braking action reports
Common runway condition report methods fall short
When creating a runway FICON report, most airports rely on subjective assessments that are error-prone and inconsistent, introducing risk and uncertainty into operations.
These limitations can lead to delayed response times, incorrect or wasteful surface treatment decisions, and increased safety risks.
ABARs: Braking action reports for precise runway assessments
Aircraft Braking Action Reports (ABARs) capture real-time braking performance from preexisting aircraft sensors, providing standardized, objective assessments of runway conditions. They tell you the actual braking friction and aircraft landing performance experienced by a landing aircraft, with specific insights into whether your runways are getting better or worse.
Aircraft-derived friction measurements – More precise and accurate than subjective runway FICON assessments
Real-time data – Aircraft sensor-based measurements track changing conditions, reducing oversight
Validate RCAM-based assessments – Ensure runway classifications align with actual, real-time conditions
Improve operational decisions – Enable faster, more informed runway treatment planning, inspections, and maintenance scheduling
Reduce runway excursions risk – Help airside teams detect deteriorating conditions earlier and more accurately
ABARs don’t replace PIREPs or RCAM-based assessments—they make them more reliable by providing objective, real-time data from landing aircraft.
ABARnet™: A network improving runway FICON reporting accuracy
ABARnet™ is Aviation Safety Technologies's ABAR reporting network. ABARnet's runway FICON reports capture braking action data from aircraft as they land, giving airports the precise friction data needed to better manage runways and maximize runway performance.
Why major airports are joining ABARnet™:
Improves runway FICON accuracy – Data-driven reporting reduces reliance on subjective interpretation from PIREPs and field assessments
Real-time, any aircraft – Braking action reports measure aircraft landing performance for every modern hull
23M+ reports – ABARnet™ has recorded millions of landings for major airlines
Enhances runway maintenance & treatment strategies – Helps optimize deicing, surface treatments, inspections, and scheduling
ASTM compliant – Complies with ASTM International's industry standards for systems using data to measure and report braking friction
Cloud-delivered reports – Network subscribers get real-time access to every submitted report for all operating regions
Unlike traditional friction testing devices and subjective assessments, ABARnet™ delivers a precise, real-world view of runway braking and aircraft landing performance.
ReducE costs
How a better runway condition report impacts airports
Eliminates subjectivity from reporting runway conditions, a risk most airports face today. Flight and runway scheduling will experience less delays, less diversions, and more predictability about operational impacts and how to respond.
Get real-time runway braking action reports
Contact us now to see how a more accurate runway condition report can elevate runway management and airport safety.
