Getting Together – UAMs and NAS
Should the U.S. begin integrating UAM vehicles into the NAS now?
May 25, 2025 |
Writing in the Texas A&M Law Arguendo, Robert Notari, a Juris Doctor candidate, helicopter pilot, and certified flight instructor, raises the questions
“AUTONOMY NOW?: IS IT TIME TO START INTEGRATING (AUTONOMOUS)
URBAN AIR MOBILITY VEHICLES INTO THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM?”
Inasmuch as auto manufacturers have yet to master autonomous-driving vehicles, it may be premature to ask whether it’s time to ask if it’s time to integrate autonomous urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles into the National Air Space (NAS). Nevertheless, undaunted, Notari points out the substantive gaps standing in the way of this evolution in air transportation:
- The lack of air traffic controllers will artificially cap any effort to scale UAMs.
- The UAM community will need to address pilot requirements for UAM for piloted UAMs and a pilot shortage generally.
- The shift to autonomous UAMs will require a paradigm shift for the aviation community, air traffic control, and the general public to fully integrate autonomous UAMs with traditional piloted aircraft within the NAS.
Natori notes all these challenges must be addressed for this scheme to succeed. He points out that just integrating drones took an extended timeline. Consequently, taking a running start, so to speak, might prove to be the prudent approach to a safe, efficient, and timely integration of autonomous vehicles into the U.S. NAS.
Top 3 Takeaways
- Now is a good time to begin integrating autonomous UAM vehicles into the NAS.
- A shortage of air traffic controllers and pilots contributes to the integration challenges facing autonomous vehicles and their operators.
- Autonomous UAM vehicles represent a paradigm shift for aviation.
Keywords: #AAM Today, #AAM, #UAM, #urban air mobility, #air traffic controllers, #pilots, #autonomous vehicles, #national air space, #NAS
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