Airspace World 2024: drone calibration and environmental impact studies take centre stage!

The 2nd Airspace World exhibition was held from 19 to 21 March 2024 in Geneva. France Aviation Civile Services exhibited alongside the DSNA and presented innovative solutions for sustainable and safe ATM: PAPI calibration by drone and environmental studies with the DIADEME platform.

As far as calibration is concerned, it was more than just a demo: on the 1st evening of the show, the PAPI at Geneva airport was calibrated by drones by FRACS for the first time!

This first in Geneva convinced the airport. The airport technicians were able to successfully compare the results with their own measurements. In less than an hour, the 2 PAPIs were calibrated. Operations were not affected, as the measurements were taken at night, and very quickly. Geneva airport is enthusiastic and would like to call on France Aviation Civile Services for a 2nd calibration.

Drone calibration was at the heart of numerous discussions with the ATM players present throughout the show. The FRACS solution offers the advantage of being certified and operational for over a year, with more than +++ PAPIs already calibrated. FRACS offers both the calibration service and the solution for customers wishing to do their own calibration, by pooling their drones for several uses.

Airspace World was also an opportunity to share feedback on the environmental impact studies carried out for airspace projects using DIADEME. DIADEME is the FRACS collaborative platform that enables any traffic sample to be replayed and modified if necessary, in order to assess the performance of the airspace situation considered.

The study carried out for ASECNA on Lomé airport in Togo is significant. The objective was to analyse the impact of implementing LPV approach procedures and GNSS continuous descent and continuous climb procedures (CDO/CCO). Using ASECNA traffic data, FRACS simulated with DIADEME different procedures very easily, entirely remotely. The options were then analysed with DIADEME and compared according to their environmental impact, including CO2, NOx, SOx and H2O. This objective calculation in terms of consumption and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions highlighted the benefits of PBN procedures.

In addition to these 2 innovative solutions, the France Aviation Civile Services team was delighted to discuss with ATM stakeholders the challenges of transformation, sustainable development and safety, including new forms of mobility. We remain at your service to support you in your projects for a safe, sustainable and innovative sky!