Feds offer blueprint for a future of air taxi traffic

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released an updated blueprint for airspace and procedure changes to accommodate future air taxis and other Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.

Under the blueprint, AAM operations will begin at a low rate with air taxis flying in a manner similar to helicopters ”“ they will use existing routes and infrastructure such as helipads and early vertiports, and pilots will communicate with air traffic controllers when required.

As more air taxis begin operations, the FAA expects these vehicles to fly in corridors between major airports and vertiports in city centers ”“ and the air traffic is expected increase over time from single one-way paths to routes serving multiple flows of aircraft flying in both directions. The FAA also expects this sector of aircraft technology will evolve in the coming years.

“The operational blueprint is a key step ”” along with certifying the aircraft and pilots ”” in the FAA”™s effort to safely usher in and support this next era of aviation,” said the agency. “The blueprint aims to provide a common frame of reference to the FAA, NASA and industry to help guide their research and decision-making.”

Photo of “Midnight,” an air taxi created by United Airlines and Archer; photo courtesy of Archer