Definition
In NOTAMs and aviation publications, CONC is the standard contraction for concrete, referring to a runway, taxiway, ramp, or other surface constructed of concrete rather than asphalt, gravel, turf, or another material.
Plain English
Short for concrete. It tells you the surface is made of concrete.
Context Anchor
Seen in NOTAMs, airport condition reports, and airport surface descriptions when pavement material or concrete work is being identified.
Derivation
From the Latin concretus, meaning 'grown together' or 'hardened.' Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water that hardens into a solid mass — fitting for a durable airfield surface.
Why Pilots Care
Surface material affects braking performance, tire wear, hydroplaning risk, and required landing distance, so pilots must know whether they are operating on concrete.
Intuition Check
Do not read CONC as “concise,” “concentrated,” or “concerning.” In this FAA context, CONC simply means concrete.
Example Sentence 1
The chart supplement listed Runway 09/27 as CONC, 5,000 feet long.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot confirmed the destination airport had a CONC runway before departure.