Ground contamination is defined as which condition?

• A. Runways, ramps or taxiways with surface snow, ice, slush or standing water
• B. Runways with standing water only
• C. Taxiways with ice only
• D. All surfaces on the airfield

Answer: (A)

Ground contamination refers to any surface condition on movement areas that can affect aircraft performance, specifically snow, ice, slush, or standing water on runways, taxiways, or ramps. This is the best choice because it includes all relevant surfaces and all forms of contaminant that reduce friction and braking effectiveness. The other options are too narrow or too broad: standing water on runways alone misses snow/ice/slush and ramps; ice on taxiways only misses other contaminants; and claiming all airfield surfaces are contaminated goes beyond the standard definition which centers on movement-area surfaces.