From a Chicken Farm to Air Taxis: The Unresolved Question Facing Urban and Advanced Air Mobility

Trevor SimoneauFollow

Presenter Email

simonet1@my.erau.edu

Keywords

advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, aviation policy, aviation regulation

Abstract

The advent of urban air mobility (UAM) and advanced air mobility (AAM) technology are creating a myriad of regulatory challenges that must be addressed if this technology is to be successfully integrated to the National Airspace System. Thus far, much discussion within this burgeoning sector of the aviation industry has centered around developing UAM/AAM aerial vehicle certification requirements, infrastructure, and operational frameworks, as well as ancillary issues of sustainability, cost, and community acceptance. Meanwhile, issues associated with low-altitude airspace ownership and usage remain unresolved. This presentation explores the challenge of how exactly airspace, and airspace ownership rights, should be allocated in the UAM/AAM air taxi era. It is paramount for UAM/AAM stakeholders to be familiar with the property rights issues affecting low-altitude airspace operations and the history of these legal controversies. Citing case law, primary sources, and the work of prominent legal scholars, this presentation provides that historical context: a story beginning from the birth of an ancient doctrine to a chicken farm in North Carolina and now to tomorrow’s new airspace policy challenges.

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From a Chicken Farm to Air Taxis: The Unresolved Question Facing Urban and Advanced Air Mobility

The advent of urban air mobility (UAM) and advanced air mobility (AAM) technology are creating a myriad of regulatory challenges that must be addressed if this technology is to be successfully integrated to the National Airspace System. Thus far, much discussion within this burgeoning sector of the aviation industry has centered around developing UAM/AAM aerial vehicle certification requirements, infrastructure, and operational frameworks, as well as ancillary issues of sustainability, cost, and community acceptance. Meanwhile, issues associated with low-altitude airspace ownership and usage remain unresolved. This presentation explores the challenge of how exactly airspace, and airspace ownership rights, should be allocated in the UAM/AAM air taxi era. It is paramount for UAM/AAM stakeholders to be familiar with the property rights issues affecting low-altitude airspace operations and the history of these legal controversies. Citing case law, primary sources, and the work of prominent legal scholars, this presentation provides that historical context: a story beginning from the birth of an ancient doctrine to a chicken farm in North Carolina and now to tomorrow’s new airspace policy challenges.