This session will identify steps that states are taking to prepare for a future Urban Air Mobility System. We will discuss the benefits that states and local governments can expect from this new technological revolution, and identify key planning steps to ensure success.
During his 2018 keynote address at the Utah Department of Transportation Annual Conference, Carlos Braceras Chairman of AASHTO recognized that by 2050, the population across Northern Utah’s metro area will double... it will be impossible for us to respond with a doubling of the roads. Many other states and municipalities face a similar challenge. Federal, State, and local officials are looking for new ways to reduce traffic congestion and provide an alternative transportation solution. We recognize the tremendous potential for aerial transportation to revolutionize the way we move people and freight. Proper planning is essential in securing an economic competitive advantage and avoiding a system that fails to meet local needs. This requires an understanding of demand, roles, airspace, land use planning, and phasing. Only then, can we answer questions about justifying infrastructure costs and properly addressing any potential negative externalities.
Urban Air Mobility is evolving rapidly. With NASA leading the charge, functional integration is expected within the next five years. 68 vehicles are currently in development to serve a variety of roles, with milestones being met monthly. Preparations for integration in Utah are underway. We will discuss lessons learned from our research partnership with the University of Utah and their UAM traffic simulation software, as well as the critical partnerships that we have forged across disciplines to fully understand risks, benefits, and opportunities.
This presentation will educate attendees on:
- What is being done on a State, local, and Federal level to integrate UAS into our daily lives
- The status and lessons learned from UAM simulations completed by the University of Utah regarding UAM vertiport placement, spacing, design, and economic impacts.
- Discuss the steps needed to plan and implement Urban Air Mobility by Federal, State, and Local governments to be ready for UAM.
Session level for attendees: This class level will be an overview with a few subjects touching into intermediate areas. There won’t be any prerequisites for this session.