Enter Urban Air Mobility
“Urban air mobility” (UAM) is defined as the safe and efficient system for air passenger and cargo transportation within an urban area, inclusive of small package delivery and other urban unmanned aerial system (UAS) services, which supports a mix of onboard/ground-piloted and increasingly autonomous operations.
When I first heard the term “urban air mobility,” I went glassy eyed imagining some wannabe writer coining a new buzz phrase for future glory. Continuing to read about the idea and the inevitable onslaught of operators clamoring to be that first flying car/taxi/bus/bathtub, I remembered an article I posted on LinkedIn back in May 2017 articulating my opinion about who will use these newfangled flying machines. As UAM became a real subject with credible professionals sharing their insights, it became apparent that the evolution of a notion I have been focusing on for more than 30 years has come to fruition. I refer not to that airspace known as the NAS, but rather the underutilized, and yes, underexploited, airspace directly above your house and your local Starbucks.
I have been an air traffic controller, internationally, for over 18 years, and it is with that suitcase of experience that I unpack a few comments and observations on the reality of urban air mobility, its challenges, and its benefits. For a CliffsNotes summary of UAM, FEV Consulting has a very good analysis and is realistic in its view while still sounding like it has a powered fleet in a hanger somewhere waiting for a buyer and a flyer (Urban Air Mobility (UAM)). Another powerful analysis, mentioned above, comes from NASA’s “Observations from Exploration of VTOL Urban Air Mobility Designs.”
After reviewing many articles on the issues and concerns of implementation, it appears as though UAM is primarily, if not exclusively, electric/battery powered versus fossil-fueled. However, some writers and industry specialists still concede that traditional fossil fuels will continue to dominate the airspace, and industry, for quite a while. Two items of note for me are noise and acceptance. While I am a strong advocate of traditional helicopter applications, I must concede that the noise from these aircraft can be irritating to some individuals, especially the loudness of older models. However, like the technology of fixed-wing engines, helicopters and their engines also have come a long way. Advanced electric engines are touted as the new “quiet” standard. But imagine a bumblebee or a hummingbird over your house and the sound it makes. Now imagine 10 of them hovering over your house – all day. Now imagine 100-1,000 of them, the size of small SUVs, flying over your home 24 hours a day. That noise is what you can
64 Jan/Feb 2021
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battery powered, and essentiall
non-fossil-fueled. y y
UAM is primaril, if not exclusivel, electric/
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