BACKGROUND
Advanced air mobility (AAM) includes the use of new aircraft types to transport passengers and cargo at lower altitudes. Activities will likely include commercial regional and urban air mobility (UAM) travel, cargo delivery, public services, and private/recreational use. The initial ecosystem will utilize new and existing facilities (airports or heliports and existing applicable routes). In the future, new, dedicated facilities and routes will likely be developed. ACRP and other entities are conducting research to help airports and communities understand the potential benefits, challenges, facility needs, and impacts of AAM-related activity. ACRP Project 03-50, "An Airport-Centric Study of the Urban Air Mobility Market" will assess potential impacts of UAM at airports and help them understand potential opportunities and planning considerations. ACRP will also be hosting an Insight Event in early 2022 that will cover on-demand aviation services for passengers and goods. Yet the very nature of AAM and the high degree of uncertainty relative to its adoption require robust coordination and planning among airports, agencies, and communities. It is recognized that community inclusion will be critical in the successful implementation and integration of AAM.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to develop a primer for coordination of community, airport, and applicable agencies relative to AAM activity and to recommend steps to successfully integrate AAM activity in their communities.
The research should include a workplan in achieving the objective that addresses, at a minimum, these considerations:
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Definition of the scope of AAM and identification of aircraft types and operating characteristics that fall under the AAM umbrella and those that do not (i.e., small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS));
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Definition of the current state of the practice and research with regard to AAM coordination and community awareness;
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The evolution of AAM and how its development impacts airports and community perception, communication strategies, and planning processes;
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An understanding of successful strategies for developing and sequencing of communication plans;
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The primary benefits and concerns regarding AAM operations, related activities, ground infrastructure, and flight routes; and
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Identification of the key stakeholders dependent for an on-airport or off-airport audience of this research and those that would have influence over the integration of AAM activity.
