Skyways to the Future 2024

Data ecosystem for integrated AAM/UAM with existing ATMs for seamless airspace managementFIGURE 7 AAM/UAM data management ecosystem Surveillance protocols Operator/ ATC (current)Drone data Operator/ ATC (AAM) Advanced/augmented ATM system urban air traffic management systemUAM data aggregationUAM aircrafts General/business aviation Existing air traffic management systemsNationalized unmanned traffic management server AATMS/ UATMS Defence/law enforcementRegulators Source: The ePlane Company. Airspace allocation for AAM in India AAM will operate in the existing airspace classes, meaning it must coexist with traditional aviation without compromising safety. To ensure smooth integration, some key principles need to be considered. For incumbent air traffic to remain unaffected by AAM, existing frameworks and protocols, such as instrument flight rules (IFR) and VFR, which govern existing air traffic, must be adhered to. Furthermore, AAM systems must establish a pathway to autonomy to avoid overburdening ATCs. However, this will require a phased approach. To achieve this, automated flight management and collision avoidance systems must be at the forefront of AAM. Airspaces in India are diverse, with unique characteristics based on ownership, geopolitics and terrain. Flexibility is, therefore, key from an AAM standpoint. Operational procedures for AAM should ensure adaptability in different scenarios, be it high air traffic density, varied weather conditions or other aspects. Apart from humanitarian and healthcare operations, airspace access must be equitable. A digital public infrastructure (DPI) framework ensures that all operators can access the most efficient airspace corridors and routes according to the nature and requirements of the operation. A sandbox test focused exclusively on AAM traffic can help develop a pilot project that ensures AAM operations do not conflict with traditional aircraft. This approach can inform the creation of guidelines to prevent air traffic issues and support safe integration into existing airspace. Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India 19