The Path Forward for States to Integrate UAM

Abstract

Urban air mobility is an exciting next step in the area of urban transportation. While it faces many significant challenges, many states like Ohio, North Carolina, Utah, etc. are working hard to overcome them. With ground transportation in many cities stretched to the limit, UAM could provide a much-needed alternative. By utilizing 3D airspace, UAM could reduce congestion on the ground, lower pollution, cut travel times and even reduce traffic accidents. To operate in dense urban areas, vertical takeoff and landing capabilities are a must, eliminating the need for runways, making them ideal for short inner-city hops and deliveries. While wide-spread UAM flights may be a few years away, cities and states must begin preparing for them now. To take advantage of emerging technologies, states must begin analyses in their local areas. Some of the challenges for states ahead are how to fully integrate UAM into an existing and future urban regional transportation systems. Another significant challenge for states to implementing UAM is achieving community buy-in. Before there is wide-scale UAM operations, states will also need to work with industry and focus on developing emergency landing sites and other safety procedures. The fact is creating a path forward will take collaboration among industry, communities, and all levels of government to navigate today’s challenging regulatory environment.

Author

• Divakaran, Darshan, M.S. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• community outreach
• urban transportation
• North Carolina
• Utah
• Ohio
• unmanned
• urban air
• emerging technologies
• states
• IPP
• aviation
• airspace