Global Reporting Format Automation Under Rain: Runways Conditions Monitoring in Real-Time Using Integrated Sensing and Communication Technology

Rainwater film depth on runways is one of the important data for the application of Global Reporting Format (GRF) implemented since 2021 by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for runways' safety. However, it is still a challenge for all airport operators to provide a real-time Runway Conditions Report (RCR) to pilots without interfering with the aircraft take-off and landing. In this paper, an Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) system has been designed to perform an automatic application of the GRF. The system involves antennas from which the signal strength attenuation due to rain (detected by a sensor) is retrieved to measure the depth of the rainwater on runways automatically and in real-time. While measuring, data are immediately computed to present the rain and the runway conditions via visual interface (screen) for the understanding and the use of the airport runway inspectors. The developed system is fully automatic and implemented specially to use during rainy time. The system uses a raspberry pi 4 model B as a computer, Arduino nano, antennas signals, and a raindrop sensor let alone the Python codes developed by the authors. Results obtained show that using the ISAC system to monitor runways' wetness conditions is very easy in real-time, and human presence on the runway is no longer needed. The results also show that the method used herein is the proper solution to the GRF issues in rainy areas, where the accuracy of the contaminant depth measurement is a challenge.