From the Florida Department of Transportation
TALLAHASSEE — Last week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) completed two additional tabletop exercises in their series of discussions regarding land use considerations for the integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into Florida’s transportation network. The FDOT Aviation Office has proactively facilitated thoughtful discussions and opportunities to provide feedback about AAM as the Department considers all aspects of the emerging technology. This series of exercises is important to discuss land use needs, challenges, processes, and parameters for AAM services. Following an initial AAM tabletop exercise in April, roundtables were held this week in Daytona Beach and Miami.
“Florida is a leader in transportation technology, and these collaborative conversations about Advanced Air Mobility are essential as we look to integrate this exciting technology into our transportation network,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Working closely with our community and industry partners is important to ensure Florida is truly poised for AAM to take off. These conversations are foundational to reaffirm our position as the target market for AAM, vertiport development, and full integration for the best possible future of Florida’s transportation network.”
Insight and guidance from the series of tabletop exercises will be included in FDOT’s Advanced Air Mobility Land Use Compatibility and Site Approval Guidebook, which FDOT is creating based on these exercises. A meeting of the FDOT AAM Advisory Committee will be held in August to review the guidebook, which will be available this fall as a resource for local governments to make informed decisions about the new mode of transportation, including land use and operational approval processes. The 50-member FDOT AAM Advisory Committee is comprised of key industry partners and public and private sector stakeholders.
AAM is an emerging air-based transportation mode that uses electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to carry passengers and cargo to provide essential services in urban and rural settings. Industry experts anticipate eVTOL aircraft will take flight commercially within the next few years, reaffirming the need to establish foundational aspects for this emerging technology and to consider opportunities for business development. eVTOL aircraft have the potential to operate at existing airports and heliports, though they can also operate at vertiports, which are independent landing facilities.
Comprehensive discussions with local government officials and planners, airport leaders, community and industry leaders, and agency officials are critical to set a foundation for AAM. The continued collaborative approach from FDOT has drawn admiration from other states, as Florida is seen as setting a standard for the future of AAM and its impacts on communities, residents, and visitors. To learn more, watch this video highlighting the rise of AAM in Florida.
For more information about Advanced Air Mobility, including types of eVTOL aircraft, visit FDOT.gov/aviation/advanced-air-mobility.
To see the video, go here.
