TagAdvanced Air Mobility(9)

WSDOT Aviation Division presentation outlining Advanced Air Mobility concepts in Washington State. Covers alternative energy sources, operation types, aircraft configurations, and size categories for AAM vehicles.

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation in August 2023 regarding the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The letter highlights key obstacles facing airports, such as limited electrical power supply, uncertainty about commercial viability, and a lack of FAA guidance on safely integrating these new aircraft into airport facilities. It also raises concerns about new safety risks, particularly the challenges of firefighting lithium-ion battery fires from electric aircraft, urging the FAA to provide clearer emergency response protocols.

The City of Los Angeles submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation in August 2023 regarding Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), calling for stronger local government involvement in shaping national AAM policy. The letter emphasizes safety, equity, and environmental concerns, including the need for rigorous aircraft noise, vibration, and frequency analysis to protect communities already burdened by past transportation decisions. Los Angeles urges federal agencies to require independent environmental studies and ensure that low-income communities and communities of color are not further harmed by the rollout of new aerial vehicle technologies.

A public comment submitted to the Department of Transportation argues that communities should have a stronger voice in shaping Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) policy, including drones and air taxis, before decisions are made. It calls on the FAA to conduct independent research on noise, health, environmental, and privacy impacts, and to use better noise measurement tools that reflect residents' real-world experience. The comment also urges regulators to avoid repeating mistakes made during the NextGen rollout, where communities were excluded from the process until after key decisions had already been implemented.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking public input to help develop a national strategy for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which includes electric and hybrid-electric aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing. The strategy aims to address safety, infrastructure, community impacts, and regulatory frameworks for these emerging aircraft technologies. While this notice does not specifically address Sea-Tac Airport or local noise policy, noise reduction compared to traditional aviation is cited as one potential benefit of AAM operations.

This presentation explores how Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) can benefit local communities, featuring perspectives from aviation and planning experts including representatives from Teterboro Airport, CAMI, NBAA, and consulting firms HMMH. The panel, moderated by Gabriel Andino of Teterboro Airport, examines the potential community impacts of emerging air mobility technologies. Topics likely include noise, infrastructure, and equity considerations relevant to airport neighbors and policymakers.