What does a FICON NOTAM value of 1 indicate?

A FICON NOTAM value of 1 indicates poor braking action on a runway. This value is specifically designated to assess the state of the runway surface and provide pilots with critical information regarding the safety and performance of the aircraft during takeoff and landing.

Understanding the significance of this value reflects the runway conditions' direct impact on flight operations. Flight crews rely on NOTAMs to make informed decisions about landing and taking off, helping them to consider the potential for longer stopping distances or difficulties in aircraft handling associated with poor braking action.

Other conditions such as good braking action, dry runway conditions, or nil braking action would be represented by different FICON values, each providing specific details about the surface condition of the runway. Recognizing that FICON values are part of the broader flight safety measures in aviation helps ensure safety in operations by allowing pilots to anticipate and prepare for varying runway conditions.