Runway Friction Testing For Safer, Compliant Airfields

Setting a new benchmark in runway friction testing

 

Airfield safety depends on maintaining strong friction characteristics across the entire runway surface. International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards require every international aerodrome and regional airport to define minimum friction levels. If friction drops below these levels, a runway can be classified as ‘Slippery When Wet’ and aircraft performance restrictions apply.

RETEX Pavement Services supports aerodrome operators and asset management teams in meeting these standards with confidence. Our runway friction tester equipment delivers certified CASA and ICAO compliant testing to keep your runway safe, compliant and operational. With a combination of national reach, premium technology and diligent project practices, we help you protect passengers, staff and aircraft performance while reducing your operational risk.

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Why choose RETEX for runway friction testing

 

As Australia’s premier pavement services company, RETEX offers far more than just testing. We bring decades of combined expertise in pavement and retexturing services, ensuring your testing program is delivered by the industry’s foremost specialists. Our service includes:

  • Use of Australia’s only certified SARSYS friction value testing units for rapid, high-accuracy measurements
  • Real-time electronic reporting directly to your in-vehicle system for immediate decision-making
  • Mapping of runway pavement friction against CASA and ICAO planned maintenance thresholds
  • A national footprint with offices in WA, NSW and QLD to service both major and regional airports

By integrating advanced technology with strict project methodology, RETEX ensures every test is consistent, accountable and aligned with international aviation standards.

 

Delivering a complete safety approach

RETEX’s approach to runway friction testing goes beyond a simple reading. We believe in helping operators maintain, record and implement improvement measures to ensure runway safety and compliance for the long term.

Our trailer-mounted SARSYS electronic measuring systems perform continuous wet wheel passes to map the pavement surface friction. This data is automatically correlated with CASA and ICAO maintenance lines, enabling you to plan maintenance actions before your runway reaches the minimum friction threshold.

When the results highlight areas requiring attention, our team can prepare a programmed rubber removal proposal using high-pressure water blasting. This makes RETEX one of the few providers able to deliver testing and remedial action as one managed package, giving you a single point of accountability and reducing downtime.

Consistent, evidence-driven reporting you can trust

Professional decision-makers rely on data they can trust. That’s why RETEX’s runway friction testing service includes succinct, critical data reporting to support your asset management program. Our reports are delivered electronically, so your team can act immediately on findings without waiting for paperwork.

This process reflects RETEX’s brand pillars:

  • Premium technology: Leading plant and equipment delivering industry-best testing results
  • Diligent project practices: Strict methodologies ensuring testing is on time, within scope and consistent across projects
  • National capability: A footprint that extends beyond state borders to support airports Australia-wide
  • Environmental focus: Active waste minimisation when remedial actions such as rubber removal are performed

 

Talk to us about your future runway friction testing needs

Whether you manage a major international runway or a regional airstrip, our airfield runway friction tester service can help you maintain compliance, plan maintenance proactively and safeguard aircraft operations.

Our expert team operates nationally, servicing airports of all sizes, mining airstrips, defence facilities and large-scale infrastructure projects. We are Australia’s largest specialised runway rubber removal and road retexturing contractor, and we bring the same expertise and reliability to every runway friction testing project.

Contact us today and learn more about our full range of runway friction testing services.

 

Frequently asked questions

What does a runway friction tester do?

A runway friction tester measures how much grip aircraft tyres have on a wet runway surface. This helps determine whether the runway meets CASA and ICAO safety standards or needs maintenance.

How often should airfield runway friction testing be performed?

Testing frequency depends on traffic volume, climate and maintenance schedules. Aerodromes typically test at regular intervals or after rubber removal, resurfacing, or heavy rainfall.

Is RETEX's equipment CASA and ICAO compliant?

Yes. RETEX uses Australia's only certified SARSYS units, which meet both CASA Part 139 and ICAO Annex 14 requirements for airfield runway friction testing.

Can RETEX provide both testing and rubber removal?

Yes. RETEX offers a full-service approach, delivering runway friction testing and, where needed, high-pressure water blasting for rubber removal – all projects managed from start to finish.

How quickly can friction testing be completed?

RETEX can complete a full runway assessment in hours, depending on size and conditions, with real-time electronic reporting for immediate use.

 

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