Uncertainty and Assurance in AAM Regulation

Abstract

The regulatory environment of aviation safety has played an important role in establishing the current outstanding safety performance of the air transportation industry. Now, with the looming entry-into-service of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies and, in turn, the prospect of significant changes to the fabric of the aviation system, the field in which these changes will play out will be significantly shaped by the regulatory approach selected by authorities to address public concerns. Regulation can distort incentives towards different technological choices, add costs, and affect technology diffusion/adoption phases. But it can also increase public trust, promote acceptance, reduce uncertainty by supporting policy stability, help maintain safety, and provide enterprises with a safe environment to innovate. Thus far, the regulatory approach taken by prominent safety oversight authorities for AAM is varied. And it has oscillated from “flexible” enforcement of traditional requirements to more segregated “laissez-faire” environments. In this poster, common regulatory approaches to AAM are identified, and conflicting views are contrasted while also examining the potential impacts on the AAM industry. Relatedly, the application of novel regulatory strategies to support innovation in the industry is discussed, including adopting performance-based regulations, adaptive regulatory frameworks and assessment cycles, and increased public-private cooperative arrangements. Finally, recommendations are provided to promote further development of the industry.

Authors

• Souza Dias Garcia, Joao Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Simoneau, Trevor Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Spence, Tyler B Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Advanced air mobility
• aviation safety
• regulatory policy
• innovation
• Aviation Safety and Security
• Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation
• Public Policy
• Transportation