Which statement best describes LAHSO criteria regarding contamination and braking action?

• A. Runways must be free of contamination and braking action not less than good
• B. Braking action not less than good is not required
• C. Runways must be clean with braking action rated excellent
• D. Runways must be completely dry and free of standing water

Answer: (A)

LAHSO criteria require that the runway used for land-and-hold-short operations be free of contamination and have braking action not less than good. Contamination means any substance on the surface that can reduce braking effectiveness, such as water, slush, snow, ice, or loose material. The braking action must be at least good, using the standard braking-action scale (excellent, good, fair, poor, nil). Both conditions must be satisfied for LAHSO to be authorized, so the runway should not have contaminants and the braking action must meet or exceed good. The other options rely on overly strict dryness, or on relaxing one requirement (braking action or contamination) beyond what LAHSO specifies, or imply a higher braking-action rating than required.