Friction Testing

Friction Testing

Friction1INT

Airplanes depend on friction between runway and tires to be able to safely land the aircraft. Over time, the skid-resistance of runway pavement deteriorates due to weathering, usage, aging and contaminants causing a dangerous loss of friction making the touch-down zone slippery and hazardous.



The most persistent contaminant problem is deposits of rubber from tires of landing jet aircraft that can cause loss of aircraft braking capability and directional control, particularly when runways are wet. Removing the rubber, and other contaminants, followed by friction testing, is the only way to…

  • maintain friction levels and runway traction to industry standards
  • guarantee airfield runways are safe.

Friction Testers are used to accurately record pavement skid resistance in wet and dry conditions. The FAA has issued recommendations that airports undertake regularly scheduled friction testing.





Hi-Lite’s Friction Tester was acquired from the ASFT (Airport Surface Friction Tester) and is successfully used to test friction at various airports around the world.