Skyways to the Future 2024

Factors for identifying UAM corridors: management FIGURE 8 Proximity to airports: Consider nearby airport locations and their operational configurations Existing airspace interaction: Ensure smooth integration with existing airspace, especially near airports (class B) Population and demand: Analyse population density and demand in the region Route design: Design routes with multiple altitude levels for safe vertical separation Efficient routing: Establish the shortest and most efficient routes with appropriate elevations Vertiport integration: Position vertiports to connect seamlessly with other transport services No-fly and emergency zones: Identify and publish no-fly zones, emergency zones and altitude restrictions Important considerations for airspace management VFR and IFR VFR and IFR are two sets of regulations governing how aircraft are operated. VFR allows pilots to fly using visual cues from the ground and sky, requiring clear weather conditions and visibility. It is commonly used for short flights when the weather is clear to ensure the safety of operations. On the other hand, IFR is used when visual references are inadequate for safe flying, such as in poor weather or at night. Under IFR, pilots rely on instruments to navigate and communicate with ATC to obtain guidance on the safety of flight paths and expected obstacles, following specific procedures to ensure safety in low-visibility conditions. With AAM and this new aviation paradigm, new flight rules may be developed in different jurisdictions, and the Indian ecosystem must pay attention to these, especially in cases with a high level of autonomy. VFR corridors A VFR corridor is a designated airspace area where pilots flying under VFR can pass through controlled areas without needing ATC clearance. These corridors allow smaller planes to fly at lower altitudes without interfering with commercial jets. Pilots in VFR corridors must rely on their own navigation and visual observation to avoid obstacles and other aircraft in order to pass through controlled airspace safely. These corridors are general flight paths across the different classes of airspace without a specifically defined course. They are commonly used to plan flights that enter, exit and pass through complex airspace to avoid class B airspace. Dynamically delegated corridors Dynamically delegated corridors (DDCs) are airspace routes that are temporarily created or adjusted in real-time to accommodate specific traffic flows, usually in response to changing air traffic demands or environmental conditions. These corridors are similar to VFR corridors but are Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India 20