scope:

Purpose. This ETL provides optional guidance for using continuous friction measuring equipment (CFME) to determine the need for rubber removal on Air Force runways. The airfield manager currently visually inspects the runway surface to determine when rubber removal is required. This procedure is subjective and can result in removing rubber too often (friction characteristics are good and markings are visible) or, in some cases, not removing rubber at the proper time. The procedure outlined in this ETL provides an objective basis for determining when rubber should be removed. It is based on procedures currently used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The procedure should be used only to determine rubber removal requirements; the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) will continue to conduct routine baseline friction characteristics tests.