A fact to be recognised; at the beginning of this association: In France, and even further in Europe, the activity of piloting light aircrafts by HIS (Hearing Speaking Impaired) pilots – a term which englobes deaf pilots and those with speech impairment, as well as pilots going through speech and hearing loss – presents currently in the complex climate a need for arduous and fastidious demands. Namely the fact that radio telephony is the only used means towards the exchange of information between the ground and the air. Nowadays, the practice of aircrafts being maned by HSI pilots is done by means of “radio error (with light signals and pre-authorised use on controlled aerodromes); Class D. The historical construction of the aerial control equipment (which is done by voice) and of medical regulations associated with these may appear to have allowed for the technological advancement which in turn facilitated their development into other forms.

From this fact, a project: to develop a ground-air communication system which integrates forms of exchange of data via other perceptive channels other than sound, adapted for cross-use, for the expected departures and arrivals (VFR) of light airplanes and landing. This system being able to take advantage of existing regulations and developments already achieved since the 1980s by means of digital liaisons CPDLC (Controller–pilot data link communications) of which deployment, pioneered by commercial airplanes, can be used for planes in general – that is the hypothesis that we propose – possibly under compatible formats taking advantage of the growth of information exchange automation. The catch being how to permit HIS pilots to navigate, whilst in command of an aircraft, through controlled aerial spaces and take off and land under the controlled spaces. In following the current perspectives of minimising current vocal exchanges for general aviation, the project FANS4All will benefit the whole of the aeronautic community.

For the realisation of this project, the FANS4ALL association has since its beginnings surrounded itself with experts, whether institutional, scientific or industrial in order to put together a pluridisciplinary team, having even started to build a research and development effort which integrates the socio technical regulamentory, medical and security challenges which can be associated with such a project.

Our conviction is that the only technical characteristics can not suffice to determine the success or the failure of this socio-technico-regulatory project. The reflection must be plural and requires in this respect diverse and complementary expertise to enable this company to be both an innovation for the handicap and an innovation for the handicap! Discover our scientific and operational program here.