Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General None Reported / Taken
Airport; Procedure
Weather was light snow visibility 2sm braking action advisories in effect departure runway 22 conditions 5 5 5 wind varied from 5 to 7 knots of tail wind. Call to dispatch to see if they could talk EWR into switching runways; he said that he would try. I have operated out of EWR for years and it is only recently that the field seems to operate take off and landings with sustained and significant tail winds.These winds are usually within the operating specs of the aircraft but certainly reduce the margin of safety. So far there has been no 'specific' explanation as to why we are operating in this configuration. Once again I have a very long history of experience at this airport and it is only recently (4 months) that this has occurred. Any information would be appreciated.
Captain reported that EWR policy has changed to tolerate departures with tailwind conditions even when braking action reports are present.