In article , Ramapriya wrote:

Is a non-aviator airing a doubt ok with you folks?

Depends on the doubt. Some "doubt"s sound like trolls.


I know cars and trucks tend to skid even at low speeds in sleet and on
ice, with braking often proving ineffectual. This leaves me wondering
why is it that we don't ever hear of aircraft skidding and going
off-track while taxiing or even during takeoff/landing? Is the lack of
such incidents only because of the meticulousness of ice clearance by
airport authorities?

Good question. In fact it does happen on occasion. Sometimes
airlines run off the end of the runway, the equivalent of a (very
expensive) fender bender, with few injuries.

It doesn't happen often because the main difference between airplanes
maneuvering on the ground and road vehicles is that airplanes are
going much slower, so the brakes remain relatively effective (add
extra distance for the stopping distance). At higher speeds when
taking off and landing, they're getting their drive and control from
aerodynamic forces.

A number of years ago when the world was younger, a buddy who was/is
(lost touch with him) a Greek national, who's mother work(s|ed) for
the airline told a story of sitting in the jump seat of a 747 leaving
NY.

It was the first plane out after a closure (usually, the first airline
out "sweeps" the runway) The copilot, who didn't have any winter
driving experience (not a lot of winter driving conditions in Greece)
turned onto the runway, applying too much power, spun out. No
damage, except to pride.

Normally, when that happens, you go back to the end of the line (there
will be a long line of delayed planes waiting to leave under those
conditions). The pilot of the #2 aircraft "politely" let them try
again anyway (so he got the freshly sweeped runway).


Morris