Definition
A runway, taxiway, or apron surface that is not smooth or uniform, with bumps, ruts, depressions, cracks, or other deformities that may affect aircraft handling, braking, or steering during ground operations.
Plain English
A runway or taxiway surface that isn't smooth — it has bumps, dips, or rough patches that can shake the aircraft or affect how it rolls and steers on the ground.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport condition reports, notices to pilots, and airport operations information describing runway, taxiway, or ramp conditions.
Derivation
Irregular comes from Latin words meaning “not according to rule or pattern.” Surface means the outside or top face of something. Together, the phrase points to a ground surface that does not have the expected smooth, regular shape.
Why Pilots Care
Irregular surfaces can damage tires, cause vibrations that affect control, and reduce braking effectiveness, requiring pilots to reduce speed or request alternate surfaces.
Grounding Statement
Picture taxiing over a pavement section with a dip or raised patch instead of a smooth, even path.
Intuition Check
Do not read “irregular” as just “unusual.” In this FAA context, it means the physical surface may be uneven, damaged, or otherwise not smooth.
Example Sentence 1
The airport remarks noted an irregular surface on Runway 14, so the pilot planned a slower touchdown speed and a firm hold of the controls during rollout.
Example Sentence 2
After landing on the main runway the crew noted vibrations from irregular surfaces while taxiing to the ramp.