FAA's Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies: Pioneering Future Air Mobility
Key Ideas
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is establishing the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) to accelerate the integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) and other aviation technologies into the National Airspace System (NAS).
- CAAT's initiatives include creating airspace laboratories, testing corridors, and partnerships to address regulatory, technical, and operational challenges associated with new aviation technologies.
- The center will focus on researching and testing innovative concepts like high-volume urban air mobility (UAM) operations and hydrogen-powered aircraft, aiming to overcome current regulatory and technical obstacles.
- The FAA is seeking input from communities with strong aeronautical infrastructure and diverse environments to shape the development and success of the CAAT, encouraging collaboration among industry, academia, and government entities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking input to shape the development of its Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) in Washington, aimed at accelerating the integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) and other emerging aviation technologies into the National Airspace System (NAS). The CAAT's mission includes research, testing, and partnerships to overcome regulatory, technical, and operational challenges related to new aviation technologies, such as powered-lift aircraft and autonomous systems.
One key focus of CAAT is establishing airspace laboratories and flight demonstration zones to test and validate AAM operations and technologies in controlled environments. Additionally, testing corridors will be created to evaluate air traffic control requirements and performance standards for AAM integration, supporting live and simulated testing of innovative aviation systems.
The center will also foster partnerships among industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies to advance the development and implementation of aviation technologies, including electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft and autonomous systems. Research on high-volume urban air mobility (UAM) operations and other advanced technologies is prioritized to address current regulatory and technical challenges.
The FAA plans to utilize the CAAT to assess complex scenarios involving high-traffic AAM operations and the integration of advanced air mobility systems through simulations and live demonstrations. It is encouraging participation from communities with strong aeronautical infrastructure, advanced aviation manufacturing expertise, and diverse environments to ensure the success of CAAT's initiatives.
Responses to the FAA's invitation for input must be submitted by 6 January 2025, with the agency emphasizing the importance of diverse environments for testing AAM technologies' operational flexibility. The collaboration among various stakeholders is crucial for shaping the future of aviation technology development and integration.
Topics
Aviation
Innovation
Research
Aviation Technology
Urban Air Mobility
Partnerships
Air Traffic Control
Testing Corridors
Commercial Space Launch
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