Paved Surface Strength Assessment and Risk Evaluation
Paved Evaluation™ & PCASE Course
ACN/PCN Analysis and PCASE Application for Aircraft Suitability
Course Overview
The Paved Surface Evaluation™ & PCASE Course provides advanced instruction for personnel responsible for assessing the structural integrity of paved airfields and landing surfaces in support of aircraft operations. The course focuses on evaluating pavement strength and condition to determine aircraft suitability and operational risk, with emphasis on the proper application of the Aircraft Classification Number/Pavement Classification Number (ACN/PCN) system.
Students learn to identify and document surface distress, conduct Pavement Condition Index reporting, and evaluate shearing strength, allowable gross loads, and aircraft pass limits. Instruction includes advanced use of Pavement-Transportation Computer Assisted Structural Engineering (PCASE) software to perform accurate, data-driven assessments. The course reinforces disciplined analysis and sound technical judgment to support informed Go or No-Go recommendations for large and heavy aircraft operations on paved surfaces.
What the Course Covers
Paved Airfield Structural Assessment
Aircraft Suitability and Risk Evaluation
ACN and PCN System Application
Pavement Condition Index Reporting
Surface Distress Identification
Shearing Strength Evaluation
Allowable Gross Load Determination
Aircraft Pass Limit Analysis
PCASE Software Operation
Data Entry and Model Interpretation
Pavement Performance Evaluation
Go or No-Go Decision Support
Instructional Approach
Immersive, Scenario-Driven Training
The Paved Surface Evaluation™ & PCASE Course is delivered through structured classroom instruction and applied analytical exercises. Instruction is focused on building a clear understanding of pavement evaluation principles, aircraft loading considerations, and the proper use of the ACN/PCN system and PCASE software to assess paved surface suitability. Learning is deliberate and methodical, emphasizing accuracy, consistency, and correct application of established engineering criteria.
Training centers on technical assessment rather than simulated operational stress. Students work through representative pavement evaluation problems, identify and document surface distress, perform Pavement Condition Index reporting, and analyze allowable loads and aircraft pass limits. Emphasis is placed on interpreting results correctly and understanding how pavement condition and strength affect aircraft operations.
Instruction reinforces disciplined analytical workflows, proper documentation, and sound technical judgment. Through guided instruction and repetition, students develop the confidence required to support data-driven surface suitability assessments and informed Go or No-Go recommendations for large and heavy aircraft operations on paved surfaces.
Operational Environment
Realistic Training Scenarios
Training is conducted through structured classroom instruction and applied analytical exercises using representative pavement data sets and operating scenarios. Instructional examples are drawn from a range of paved airfield and landing surface conditions to reinforce how pavement strength, surface distress, and loading limits affect aircraft operations. The training environment is controlled and purpose-built to support accurate analysis rather than simulated operational stress.
The focus is on understanding how pavement condition and structural capacity influence aircraft suitability and operational risk. Through guided evaluation and repetition, students learn to apply engineering criteria, interpret PCASE outputs, and exercise sound technical judgment when developing surface suitability assessments and Go or No-Go recommendations in support of aircraft operations.
Target Audience
This course is designed for personnel responsible for evaluating paved airfields and landing surfaces in support of aircraft operations. It is intended for engineers, surveyors, planners, and operators tasked with assessing pavement condition, structural capacity, and aircraft suitability using established criteria and analytical tools.
Participants develop the technical understanding and analytical confidence required to interpret pavement data, apply ACN and PCN methodology, and use PCASE outputs to support accurate surface suitability assessments and informed Go or No-Go recommendations for aircraft operations.
Training Outcomes
Enhanced Operational Readiness
Upon completion of the Paved Surface Evaluation™ & PCASE Course, participants possess a clear understanding of pavement strength assessment methods and the application of ACN and PCN criteria in support of aircraft operations. Graduates are better prepared to evaluate paved surface condition, structural capacity, and operational limitations using established engineering standards and analytical tools.
Participants leave the course with the ability to interpret pavement data, apply PCASE analysis outputs, and produce accurate, defensible surface suitability assessments that support informed Go or No-Go recommendations for aircraft operations on paved surfaces.
Take the Next Step
Interested in Paved Surface Evaluation™ and PCASE training? Request additional information to learn how this course develops practical capability in pavement assessment, aircraft suitability analysis, and data-driven decision support. Our team is available to provide course details and answer questions.