Skyways to the Future 2024

Understanding the low-level airspace economy Low-level airspace refers to the part of the sky closer to the ground, typically where helicopters and drones operate. It is carefully managed to ensure safe sharing between various types of aircraft. UAM and the use of drones in low-level airspace enable a whole new class of operations and have the potential to power a new economy of low-level airspace. The rapid progress in this technology will enable a new class of vehicles and operations in low-level airspace, contributing to the productivity and efficiency of economic activity within cities and regions. The low-level airspace economy has the potential to transform life in both communities and cities, with its operational possibilities offering exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. Starting with the use of small drones, UAM will then be integrated into low-level airspace. The airspace will accommodate new vehicles and operations in a step-by-step fashion in parallel with the acceleration of technological capability. While crewed aviation flights currently outnumber small drone flights, uncrewed operations in low-level airspace will eventually dwarf crewed operations at any level of airspace. While the timing of this shift is hard to predict, it represents a fundamental change in how low-level airspace is managed and used. In this sense, this airspace is undergoing a profound transformation. Effective management of this modernization will enable the integration of these new operations to economically benefit communities. Therefore, efficient airspace design and management should be crucial pillars in supporting safe, reliable and efficient UAM operations in India’s cities. Federal Aviation Administration’s airspace guidance for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operatorsFIGURE 5 Upper limit underfinedClass E Class A Class EFL 600 18,000 MSL Class B Class C Class D14,500 MSL 12,000 AGL 700 AGL 400 AGLAir traffic authorization required AGL Above ground level FL Flight level MSL Mean sea levelAirspace guidance for small UAS operatorsAir traffic authorization requiredAir traffic authorization requiredClass E Surface area Class GClass E surface extensionAir traffic authorization required Source: Federal Aviation Administration. (2018). Airspace Guidance for Small UAS Operators. Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India 17