What should be prioritized over landmark terms when describing braking action?

When describing braking action, prioritizing descriptive terms is crucial because they provide a nuanced understanding of the conditions that may affect an aircraft's ability to stop effectively. Descriptive terms convey qualitative assessments, allowing pilots and air traffic controllers to communicate the current state of the runway more precisely, such as "good," "fair," "poor," or "nil."

These terms can help to paint a clearer picture of the runway surface conditions, including factors like moisture, ice, or snow, which landmark terms may not effectively communicate. Descriptive terms enhance situational awareness, enabling pilots to make informed decisions regarding their landing approach and braking strategies.

Using numeric terms, while useful for quantitative assessments, may not capture the full range of environmental factors influencing braking action. Geographic terms tend to focus more on location rather than the conditions of the runway, and technical terms may complicate understanding without providing practical context. Thus, focusing on descriptive terminology not only promotes safety but also ensures effective communication among air traffic control and flight crews.