Regulatory Alert: DOT Releases National Strategy for Accelerating AAM Implementation

This afternoon, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released its long-awaited Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy, which lays out a roadmap and strategy for the federal government to support AAM development and implementation over the next decade. The strategy includes 40 recommendations organized around six different pillars (airspace, infrastructure, security, community planning and engagement, workforce, and automation) and is accompanied by an action plan for implementing each of the recommendations.

As part of the rollout, DOT hosted an event today at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., where Secretary Sean Duffy and other senior administration officials gave remarks about the strategy and plans for supporting AAM moving forward. Prior to the event, AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli participated in a roundtable discussion with DOT and FAA leadership, providing our members’ perspectives on the critical challenges and opportunities for the development of AAM and the infrastructure needed to support those operations.

You can read the AAM National Strategy here, the AAM Comprehensive Plan here, and DOT’s press release and announcement here.

Background. In October 2022, Congress passed the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act. The law directed DOT to establish an AAM Interagency Working Group (IWG), consisting of representatives from across the federal government. The goal of the working group was to develop an “AAM National Strategy” that included (a) recommendations for federal investment and actions to support the evolution and growth of AAM and (b) a comprehensive plan detailing the roles and responsibilities of each federal agency to facilitate or implement the recommendations.

DOT’s AAM Interagency Working Group. In 2023, DOT established the AAM IWG, which consisted of representatives from 22 different federal agencies and five distinct subgroups focused on automation strategy, security requirements, air traffic management, infrastructure development, and community roles. AAAE staff met with key members of the AAM IWG to share our members’ perspectives on AAM development. We also submitted comments to the group, expressing our support for the safe integration of AAM operations into the national airspace while also sharing major obstacles that are preventing airports from making more investments in vertiports and AAM-related infrastructure.

AAM National Strategy and Key Recommendations. The AAM IWG developed its “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy: A Bold Policy Vision for 2026-2036” over the past nearly three years. The report consists of 40 policy recommendations organized in six pillars (airspace, infrastructure, security, community planning and engagement, workforce, and automation) and includes an accompanying action plan explaining how each of the recommendations will be implemented moving forward.

The recommendations for certain federal agencies include, among others:

• Use existing regulations, standards, policies, and processes, where applicable, to encourage and facilitate the use of existing or repurposed infrastructure for near- and medium-term AAM operations;

• Engage with state, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments and industry on future models for planning and financing AAM infrastructure while funding existing programs for early operations;

• Identify facility and equipment requirements specific to remotely piloted/supervised and autonomous AAM aircraft at airports, vertiports, and heliports and assist with demand/capacity balancing of low-altitude airspace;

• Expand guidance on vertiport design (including publishing the Unified Vertical Lift Infrastructure Advisory Circular);

• Research energy infrastructure needs for AAM, plan joint demonstrations that establish best practices, and work with industry to plan for ample energy distribution;

• Utilize existing regulatory frameworks to ensure proper vetting of AAM pilots, ground crew, and anyone entering the sterile areas of federalized airports, while continuing risk analysis to assess future vetting needs;

• For initial AAM operations, align physical screening requirements with existing Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) regulations and security programs, unless emergent risks dictate otherwise;

• Expand and extend the current TSA Reimbursable Screening Services Program (RSSP) or establish it as a permanent program to improve access to screening for AAM operations entering the sterile areas of federalized airports;

• Clearly communicate information and guidance on roles, responsibilities, and best practices for AAM planning to SLTT governments;

• Develop and publish community involvement resources regarding AAM operations;

• Research and develop tools to help communities, policymakers, and aircraft developers and operators evaluate noise impacts;

• Promote accessibility for those with disabilities in the planning and design of AAM aircraft, vertiports, and other supporting infrastructure; and

• Request that Congress examine existing aviation funding methods and, if necessary, update them.