What must be checked regarding braking action reports before landings at an airport?

Braking action reports are crucial for landing considerations, especially during adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice. The correct answer stipulates that these reports must be no older than 1 hour and can be no worse than "poor." This requirement ensures that pilots are receiving the most current and relevant information about runway conditions, which can significantly impact their approach and landing safety.

If the reports were older than one hour, they might not accurately reflect the latest changes in runway conditions that could occur rapidly, especially in variable weather scenarios. Furthermore, setting a limit that the braking action cannot be worse than "poor" is essential. A report categorizing braking action as "poor" indicates that the landing could become hazardous at that segment of the runway, thereby guiding pilots in evaluating whether to proceed with the landing or consider alternatives.

This understanding is critical for maintaining safety protocols and ensuring that aircraft can safely initiate their landing procedures without encountering unexpected problems on the runway.