Advanced Air Mobility: Are We Ready for Takeoff?
In the exciting realm of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), the stakes are soaring high. Recently at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, industry leaders engaged in a critical conversation about the readiness of our National Airspace System (NAS) for the coming wave of AAM. It's not just a matter of having drones in the skies; it’s about ensuring a harmonious integration with existing airspace infrastructure.
Is the National Airspace Ready?
The million-dollar question posed by Toni Drummond, founder of Future Flight Global, set the tone: Is our National Airspace System equipped to handle AAM? Nick Flom from Thales USA and Trevor Woods from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site offered a balanced perspective. While Flom reassures us of a strong existing foundation, Woods highlights the significant technological shifts AAM introduces. New electronics and ground-based operators necessitate novel operational processes and safety frameworks.
Michelle Duquette of 3 MAD Air Consulting brought risk into the spotlight, reminding attendees that the otherwise familiar safety standards need innovation to adapt to AAM’s unique challenges. This isn’t just aviation as we know it; it’s a reimagined ecosystem that demands robust evaluation and mitigation strategies for every conceivable risk.
Drone Operations: The Path Forward
As discussions veered towards the FAA’s Part 108 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, Duquette expressed confidence in a phased approach. She noted, “We’re doing it right,” emphasizing the importance of mastering existing technologies before transitioning to fully autonomous systems. The transition may be gradual, but it's inevitable.
Flom reassured attendees that despite old fears, the skies aren’t overcrowded yet. The relatively smooth adaptation under Part 107 gives reason for optimism. However, vigilance and continuous adaptation will be crucial as drone numbers potentially increase.
Collaboration Across Borders
Collaboration emerged as a resounding theme. Drummond emphasized mutual cooperation over competition. Trevor Woods praised North Dakota for being a frontrunner in recognizing AAM opportunities, advocating for a state-wide, rather than competitive, approach. This idea of transcending state borders echoes throughout the industry, suggesting shared standards rather than piecemeal regulations could streamline nationwide expansion.
Funding the Future
Yet, amidst the enthusiasm, the topic of funding looms large. Trevor Woods pointed out the absence of federal investment in AAM infrastructure—a gap that remains wide open. Flom suggested looking to models like the Department of Transportation’s investment in highways, indicating that a similar federal-state funding collaboration might be necessary for AAM.
Michelle Duquette brought the collaboration discussion full circle, underscoring that effective teamwork involves everyone from local communities to state entities and industry leaders. The roadmap to seamless AAM integration is paved with shared responsibility.
In conclusion, while the journey to fully embrace AAM is a complex one, the consensus is clear: collaboration isn’t just a strategy; it’s a necessity. As Toni Drummond aptly said, "We know how to work together, now we need to do it for this new industry." The future of flight relies on how well we can navigate these skies together.
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Join us in this discussion as the aviation industry embraces a new era of mobility. Your insights are valued—let’s navigate this promising future together!