Are flying taxis ready to take off? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) thinks so

Imagine stepping out of a building onto a helipad and hopping into an air taxi, bypassing the headache of traffic jams and gridlock.

That scene could soon be a regular part of our urban backdrop as new types of flying taxis, powered-lift, or electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are on the precipice taking off.

Readying the skies for flying taxis

Powered-lift eVTOLs are now a part of the burgeoning advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and represent the first new category of civil aircraft in almost a century. And it’s not just for the uber rich, the technology has the potential to reshape our transportation landscape to include everything from cargo delivery to emergency services. These aircraft are not only expected to get us from point A to point B like an Uber in the sky but can also enhance urban mobility in an environmentally sustainable way, thanks to electric power and precision automation.

Recognizing the transformative potential of this technology, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has crafted forward thinking regulations and policies to ensure air taxis and other “powered-lift” vehicles are safely integrated into our skies.

This regulatory framework addresses essential operational requirements, including:

• Specific guidelines for pilot training and qualifications that address the unique features of powered-lift vehicles
• Regulations to support the commercial use of these aircraft and their safe integration into the airspace
• Minimums for safe altitudes and visibility standards
• Operating standards adapted from helicopters applied to certain flight phases and a performance-based approach to other regulations
• Training provisions that include the use of single flight controls and expanded flight simulator use, incorporating public feedback.

An industry on the rise

AAM is anticipated to bring several crucial benefits, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These benefits include fostering economic growth, improving connectivity, supporting sustainability, delivering critical support, and even potentially saving lives.

• Accelerating aviation industry: According to Deloitte’s 2021 Advanced Air Mobility Survey, by 2035, the AAM sector could create over 280,000 jobs and generate $115 billion annually in the U.S. alone.
• Facilitating sustainability: eVTOL aircraft are designed to reduce carbon emissions, minimize noise pollution, lower operational costs, thereby promoting more eco-friendly air travel, that should translate into lower costs to the passenger.
• Saving lives: eVTOLs have the potential to save lives by providing rapid emergency medical transport, quickly reaching remote or congested areas where traditional ground ambulances might be delayed.
• Improving connectivity: With many parts of the developing world lacking or having limited access to healthcare, food, and education, the benefits of the technology can be transformational, while ensuring these nations do not get left behind.

Satellite-connected eVTOLs

Without reliable connectivity, air taxis might never get off the ground. Connectivity is a crucial piece to operating eVTOLs beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). As the air taxi industry starts to take off, and with the eVTOL industry constantly evolving, reliable (SATCOM) satellite connectivity is the key to their safe and efficient operation.

With more than 30 years of heritage in aviation safety, Viasat has the connectivity expertise to support the future growth of this next stage in aviation. Our Velaris connectivity solution has unique capabilities that can unlock a wealth of commercial opportunities for the AAM industry, including:

• Light and compact hybrid satellite and cellular terminals that can fit in the palm of your hand
• A robust and scalable command and control (C2) service that ensures safe operation in controlled airspace
• Ultra-resilient, protected aviation safety certified L-band satellite connectivity where air taxis, eVTOLs, and crewed aircraft can share the friendly skies
• Reliable traffic management systems trusted by global aviation regulators
• Innovative technologies like SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) and the Connected Flight Deck can be used in conjunction with Velaris to enhance communication and safety for many types of aircraft

From sci-fi to flight

The AAM industry is on the brink of transforming urban transportation with the introduction of air taxis and other powered-lift vehicles. With this latest FAA ruling, crafting regulations and training guidelines ensures that these innovative aircraft could soon become part of our daily lives.

With significant economic and societal benefits anticipated, including job creation and enhanced urban mobility, the future of AAM looks promising. As we move towards a reality where the new generation of AAM vehicles become commonplace, the collaboration across sectors and community engagement will be crucial in realizing this vision. The journey towards a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation landscape is well underway, marking a new era in aviation history.