VI. Navigating Regulatory Landscapes in air mobility solutions

The legal framework for advanced air mobility solutions is still evolving, and navigating regulations for autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing services, and other innovations can present challenges for companies and policymakers.

Very recently (July 2023) the FAA has already taken the first step towards integrating the necessary regulation for the operation of this type of platform. With the release of the AAM Implementation Plan (Innovate28) it aims to establish the high-level actions necessary to regulate no later than 2028 the following key aspects:

• Aircraft System (Aircraft, equipment, automation, certification)
• Infrastructure (Facilities, data systems related standards, federated networks, CNS)
•  Operations (Operational density and modes, procedures, pilot knowledge and training)

• Airspace (Routes, waivers, cooperative areas, charting and publication)
• ATC Procedures (Standard operating procedures, LOAs, public-private responsibilities.

Challenges in Advanced Air Mobility Solutions Regulation:

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) released Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2022-06, which would amend existing aviation regulations to address airworthiness, operational requirements, flight crew licensing and airspace rules for VTOL-capable cargo and passenger aircraft. The agency is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until Sept. 30.

In parallel, ICAO is setting up a special working group to address Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is on track to produce a regulatory framework towards the middle of 2023, according to speakers at the International AAM event hosted by the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) on 3 November 2022.

For the moment, the steps being taken by the administrations are limited to the operation of such platforms “with a pilot on board”.

The Regulatory Maze for Autonomous Vehicles in air mobility solutions:

The case of autonomous vehicles is a somewhat more complex story. The US has been at the forefront of developing regulations for autonomous vehicles (AVs).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued guidelines for the testing and deployment of AVs. Some states, like California, have also implemented their own regulations for AV testing on public roads. At some point, regulators will take action to extrapolate the lessons from the experience of human transport in ground AVs to extrapolate the regulation applicable to an airborne vehicle.

Industry is demanding a solution for the distribution of light loads by drones, which would become the forerunners of more ambitious projects.

For the moment, the designers of AAMs are focusing on piloted platforms, but maintain the option of adapting them to autonomous operation. Sooner or later, the regulation will be enhanced to cover the operation of this solution.

Ride-Sharing and Mobility Services: Regulatory Implications for air mobility solutions:

Another topic very conditioned by the regulation is linked with Ride-Sharing and Mobility Services:

In the US, the regulations for ride-sharing and mobility services, such as Uber and Lyft, have been established at both the federal and state levels. However, these regulations have faced ongoing debates regarding safety standards, background checks for drivers, and insurance requirements.

On the other hand, regulations for ride-sharing and mobility services vary across EU member states, with some countries imposing strict requirements on licensing and driver qualifications. The EU is also addressing issues related to fair competition between traditional taxi services and ride-sharing platforms.

We may conclude that both the US, and the EU, have been actively evolving their regulatory frameworks to accommodate the rise of advanced mobility solutions. Both regions recognize the importance of sustainable transportation and technological innovation, aiming to strike a balance between promoting new mobility options and ensuring public safety. As the industry continues to develop, regulatory bodies in both the US and the EU will likely keep adjusting their approaches to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced mobility solutions.

VII. Pioneering Technologies Driving air mobility solutions

To understand the challenges of the actual aeronautical industries to enter in this emerging market, we need to review the technological drivers involved. In this sense, we should evaluate separately two different topics: The Control System and the Air Platform itself.

A. Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs):

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI):

AI plays a central role in AMS by enabling autonomous decision-making, predictive analysis, and data processing. Machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and computer vision are used in autonomous vehicles, traffic management systems, and personalized travel recommendations.

2. Big Data and Analytics:

The collection and analysis of vast amounts of data from various sources, such as sensors, smartphones, and transportation networks, provide valuable insights for optimizing transportation routes, predicting traffic patterns, and enhancing overall mobility efficiency.

3. Internet of Things (IoT):

IoT technology connects physical devices and vehicles to the internet, enabling real-time data exchange. In AMS, IoT devices such as smart traffic lights, connected vehicles, and infrastructure components contribute to smarter and more responsive transportation systems.

4. Connectivity and 5G:

High-speed and reliable connectivity, particularly with the emergence of 5G networks, facilitates seamless communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and central control centers. This enables fast data transfer and real-time decision-making, essential for autonomous and connected vehicles.

5. Electrification and Energy Storage:

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a key aspect of AMS. Advancements in battery technology and energy storage systems allow for longer driving ranges and more sustainable transportation options.

6. Autonomous Vehicle Technology:

The development of sophisticated sensors (LiDAR, radar, cameras), coupled with AI algorithms, enables autonomous vehicles to perceive their environment and navigate without human intervention. This technology is at the core of self-driving cars.

7. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Platforms:

MaaS platforms utilize mobile apps and data integration to offer seamless, on-demand transportation services. These platforms combine various transportation modes, including public transit, ride-sharing, and bike-sharing, to provide tailored travel options for users.

8. Blockchain:

Blockchain technology has the potential to enhance security, transparency, and trust in AMS. It can be used for secure data sharing, smart contracts in mobility transactions, and verifying vehicle ownership and maintenance records.

9.Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):

AR and VR technologies can enhance the user experience in AMS. They can be used for training autonomous vehicle systems, providing real-time navigation information to drivers, and creating immersive simulations for urban planning and transportation design.

10. Renewable Energy Integration:

In AMS, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are harnessed for charging EVs, powering transportation infrastructure, and supporting sustainable mobility initiatives.

These technologies are constantly evolving and converging, driving the advancement of Advanced Mobility Solutions. As they continue to mature, they will further revolutionize the way we move and interact with transportation systems, making mobility more efficient, safe, and sustainable.

B. Air Platform Key Technologies

The technologies of the platform itself, especially in electric vehicles (EVs), play a critical role in the efficiency, performance, and reliability of Advanced Mobility Solutions (AMS). Here are some key technologies commonly found in the platform of AMS, particularly in EVs:

1. Brushless Electric Motors:

Brushless motors are a key technology in electric vehicles. Unlike traditional brushed motors, brushless motors offer higher efficiency, lower maintenance requirements, and greater reliability. They provide smooth and precise control of the vehicle’s speed and acceleration.

2. Battery Technology and Reliability:

Advancements in battery technology are crucial for the success of electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most widely used in EVs due to their high energy density and relatively low weight. Ongoing research focuses on improving battery durability, energy storage capacity, and charging speed to address range anxiety and enhance the overall user experience.

3. Battery Management Systems (BMS):

BMS is an essential technology that ensures the proper functioning, safety, and longevity of the EV’s battery pack. It monitors the state of charge, temperature, and voltage of individual battery cells, optimizing performance and protecting against overcharging and overheating.

4. On-Board Chargers and Fast Charging:

On-board chargers are built into EVs to convert AC power from charging stations into DC power for the battery. The development of more efficient on-board chargers and the expansion of fast- charging infrastructure significantly reduce charging times and promote the adoption of EVs.

5. Thermal Management Systems:

Thermal management is critical to ensure optimal battery performance and safety in electric vehicles (especially if it is an airborne vehicle) Sophisticated cooling and heating systems regulate the battery’s temperature, improving its lifespan and overall efficiency while preventing the risk of fire and/or explosion, which would have dreadful results in an airborne vehicle.

6. Lightweight Materials:

The use of lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber composites and aluminum alloys, reduces the vehicle’s weight and improves its energy efficiency. Lightweighting technologies contribute to extending the driving range and enhancing overall performance. In this respect, for aerial applications, the clear leadership is with composite material. The huge increase in the use of composite materials in aeronautics and the automotive industry has contributed not only to the improvement of the processes, but also to a decrease in production costs, allowing a wider range of applications.

7. Connected Vehicle Technology:

Connected vehicle technology enables communication between the EV, other vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud-based systems. It enhances safety, provides real-time updates on charging station availability, and enables vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to prevent accidents. For the application we are analyzing, this aspect is essential. The safety of the system is closely linked to air traffic control in extremely congested areas such as big cities. Whether through automated air traffic control applications, or more likely through edge computing applications, or dynamic swarm flight management, the automation of these systems for the air traffic safety will be one of the core elements of the air regulation of such systems, especially those without a pilot on board.

8. User Interface and Infotainment:

Advanced mobility solutions often feature user-friendly interfaces and infotainment systems that provide real-time data on battery status, flight range, charging station locations, and other relevant information. These interfaces enhance the user experience and promote AAM adoption.

The continuous advancement and integration of these technologies in the platform of AMS, especially in electric vehicles, contribute to the ongoing transformation of transportation towards more sustainable, efficient, and connected mobility solutions.