What Is Runway Friction Testing and Why Does It Matter? A runway friction tester helps airports measure pavement grip, identify friction loss, and maintain safe aircraft braking performance. This guide explains how runway texture, rubber buildup, weather contaminants, and surface wear affect friction while covering key testing standards and procedures. It compares Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME) with decelerometers and examines critical selection factors such as measurement accuracy, calibration, testing speed, software integration, and operational requirements. Choosing the right runway friction tester enables airports to improve surface maintenance decisions, support regulatory compliance, reduce operational risks, and maintain safer runway conditions.