What will be the major differences in Unmanned Air Traffic Management for AAM compared to conventional Air Traffic Management
Unmanned Air Traffic Management (UTM) for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) presents several major differences when compared to conventional Air Traffic Management (ATM) due to the unique characteristics of AAM operations as follows:
- AAM vehicles typically operate at lower altitudes, often within urban areas. This requires a different set of rules and procedures for separation, navigation, and airspace management compared to traditional aviation, which predominantly operates at higher altitudes.
- AAM vehicles expected to operate with much higher traffic density than conventional aviation. This necessitates advanced automation and communication systems for collision avoidance, route planning, and real-time traffic management.
- AAM vehicles designed for shorter point-to-point trips, often serving as urban air taxis. This requires a different approach to traffic management, including take-off and landing procedures, queuing at landing pads, and managing very short flight segments.
- Many AAM vehicles are electric or hybrid-electric, leading to differences in energy management and charging infrastructure requirements. UTM for AAM must consider these factors when planning routes and ensuring availability of charging infrastructure.
- AAM may involve decentralized takeoff and landing locations, such as vertiports, rooftops, and helipads. UTM systems must manage these multiple points of origin and destination, requiring coordination and communication between various stakeholders.
- Managing noise in urban environments is a significant challenge and requires careful integration into UTM planning and regulation.