STAC’s Expertise Requested by France Aviation Civile Services: A Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Airport Safety and Performance
The collaboration between the Service Technique de l’Aviation Civile (STAC) and France Aviation Civile Services (FRACS) illustrates the combination of technical expertise and strategic consultancy for airport development, both in France and internationally.
Our most recent joint assignment was carried out through studies of Obstacles Limiting Surfaces (OLS) and the use of the VISUOLS tool developed by STAC. This innovative software supports the regulatory transition between the previous OLS definitions and the new international standards defined by the ICAO. In particular, it enables different surface scenarios to be compared, making it easier for platforms to adapt to the new standards.
Relying on this expertise, a number of emerging services are envisaged: training in the new procedures, assistance in calculating the Aeroplane Design Group (ADG) criterion to replace the old code number, based on the aircraft fleets actually present at airports, assistance with initial aeronautical studies, and support for updating the information published in the AIP.
In another mission oriented towards environmental topics, FRACS called on STAC to structure a study project on the wildlife strike hazard in Cameroon [1]. The experts took part in drawing up the working method and overall planning for the project. They also organized theoretical training for biologists recruited by the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA).
The STAC [2] also contributed to the validation of the project to rehabilitate runway 05-23 at Hassan Djamous international airport in N’Djamena. In this major project, its expertise was valuable in assessing the relevance of the technical choices made, including the design of the pavement structures, the feasibility of reusing materials from the old pavement, and the planning of the work phases. The public works company’s assumptions notes were modified to take into account of the recommendations.
The STAC is also involved in FRACS’ missions, providing airport training courses at the request of ACAO, in particular on approach and runway lighting and rescue and firefighting services in Morocco.
All these examples of missions demonstrate the complementary skills of FRACS and STAC, and their shared commitment to safer, more efficient aviation that complies with international standards. Around ten STAC staff have worked for FRACS.
To find out more about the wide range of activities carried out by the STAC, the libelaero.fr website offers an overview of the airport jobs and the applicable regulations.
[1] An article from a previous September 2023 newsletter provided a detailed overview of this project.
[2] In collaboration with experts from SNIA.
