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NARRATOR: When water causes a vehicle's tires to lose

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contact with the road, the effect is called hydroplaning…

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And its affects can be dangerous,  especially at high speeds.

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Commercial aircraft touch down on the runway at speeds

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between 160 and 170 miles per hour.  Maintaining contact

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with the runway surface is critically important.

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NASA researchers studied water buildup on runways and

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determined that by cutting thin grooves in the pavement -

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performing as the tread of a tire - water would channel away

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from the surface and reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

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The NASA research aimed at improving runway safety for

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aircraft has found its way on America's roadways

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Now, highway builders groove pavement to help prevent

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cars from hydroplaning.

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Winter's ice and snow create additional safety hazards for

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aircraft as they land.  NASA studied how airplanes braked in

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these conditions to develop the International Runway Friction

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Index.  This guide helps airport operators assess runway

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conditions to help pilots execute a safe and smooth landing.