Skyways to the Future 2024

A sandbox environment can be established to test AAM technologies and operational procedures in a controlled setting. This could involve: –Using designated airspace for AAM pilot programmes –Setting up a limited network of vertiports for initial operations –Partnering with research institutions and AAM operators for testing and data collection –Gathering evidence and making a commercial decision Data collected during the sandbox phase will inform commercial decisions regarding AAM implementation. Key metrics to consider include: –Public acceptance and user satisfaction –Operational efficiency and safety record –Economic viability and cost-recovery potential –Training and skill development AAM integration will require a skilled workforce for various roles, including: –AAM vehicle pilots and air traffic controllers –Vertiport operations –Maintenance personnel –Regulatory and safety specialists –Urban planners specializing in AAM integration Training and skill development Training and skill development are crucial in ensuring that the ecosystem is ready for implementation of the AAM programme. The following steps highlight the basic enablers for a safe and seamless AAM implementation. 1 Multi-agency coordination –Effective management of emergencies in AAM requires coordinated training programmes for aircrew, ground crew and emergency responders. –Developing comprehensive, multi-agency training programmes that include technical training for operators and sensitization programmes for city and emergency response personnel is critical to improving multi-agency coordination, which is required for AAM to function seamlessly. –Establishing training sessions for firefighting teams, emphasizing the use of appropriate equipment for specific scenarios, such as electrical fires, much like how the New York City Fire Department trains for high-rise building fires 2 Integrated response teams –Rapid and effective emergency response requires well-coordinated teams and clear protocols. –Creation of integrated response teams that include personnel from various agencies, equipped with standardized response protocols tailored to AAM emergencies. –Example: In Singapore, integrated response teams composed of police, fire and medical personnel are trained to handle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) incidents, which can serve as a model for AAM. 3 Emergency protocols –Specific protocols should be developed for low- and ultra-low-level flight incidents. –Establish and regularly update emergency protocols that address the unique challenges of AAM, including potential mid-air collisions and emergency landings. –Example: The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has developed UAV-specific emergency protocols that can be adapted to AAM operations. The pathway to automation –All AAM equipment must be airworthy. Standardization ensures greater consumer confidence. India must undertake a comprehensive standardization process for all elements of the AAM ecosystem, starting with hardware. Developing a clear communication procedure in its certification process to align with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)/FAA standards will help optimize testing and reduce time to market. –The growing number of flights in AAM systems is increasing their complexity and operational demands. As AAM systems evolve, this requires changes in airspace procedures, the development of new regulations and collaborative practices. –As operations increase, the pilot’s role will evolve from being on the aircraft to being remote, with command transitioning from onboard to remote operations. –The pilot’s role will also evolve as vehicles progress from lower to higher levels of automation, from human-in-the-loop (HITL) to human-on-the-loop (HOTL) to human-over-the-loop (HOVTL). As operations increase, the pilot’s role will evolve from being on the aircraft to being remote, with command transitioning from onboard to remote operations. Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India 33