Definition
A NOTAM contraction reporting that the runway surface is covered with snow that has been compacted by traffic, temperature cycles, or weather, forming a firm layer rather than loose snow. PSR is used in field condition reports and NOTAMs to describe the runway contaminant a pilot should expect on landing or takeoff.
Plain English
PSR means the runway has snow on it that has been pressed down into a hard, packed layer.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport condition notices, runway condition reports, and winter flight planning before takeoff or landing.
Why Pilots Care
Packed snow reduces braking effectiveness and can require longer takeoff and landing distances.
Grounding Statement
Picture snow pressed down by repeated tire tracks until it becomes a firm, slick layer on the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read PSR as simply “snow nearby” or “light snow falling.” It means compressed snow is actually on the runway surface.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM listed PSR for runway 27, so we recalculated our landing distance before continuing the approach.
Example Sentence 2
With PSR conditions reported, the pilot added extra distance to the landing rollout calculation.