The aviation industry is on the verge of a transformation with the advent of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft operations.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading the way to ensure the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into the National Airspace System.
In a significant move, the FAA has joined forces with the U.S. Air Force, forging a partnership to further that integration initiative.
Advanced Air Mobility Incorporation
On October 25, an agreement was signed between the two agencies at Duke Field in Florida. The FAA and the U.S. Air Force have committed to exchange data, share expertise, and pool their capabilities to facilitate the testing and integration of AAM technologies.
This partnership aims to accelerate the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) and redefine the way we think about air travel.
[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]
John Maffei, the FAA’s Technology Development Director, emphasized the critical nature of collaboration in this ever-evolving field. He stated, “A new era of aviation is taking off, and safe and efficient operations require collaboration.”
“This data will help inform FAA certification efforts, policies, standards, and future airspace integration requirements.”
The FAA recognizes the need to adapt to the changing landscape of aviation and understands that collaboration is the key to success.
The FAA’s partner in this endeavor is AFWERX, a technology directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director, and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration.
He stated, “With this MOU and the ongoing AAM Interagency Working Group, we are accelerating a breakthrough in electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.”
“We are driving progress in propulsion technology, in manufacturing and materials, and in test and safety for a novel class of air vehicles.” The commitment to innovation and progress is evident in his words.
A Clear Roadmap
In July, the FAA unveiled an implementation plan that outlines the steps required to safely enable advanced air mobility and air taxi operations in the near term.
This plan furthers the FAA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of emerging aviation technologies, and the integration with existing flight operations.
With the collaboration between the FAA and the U.S. Air Force, the realization of this roadmap is now within reach.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
