New experimental aircraft types are undergoing flight testing and are projected to enter commercial aviation operations within the next five years. These aircraft bring innovative capabilities that have the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry. Consequently, they may require adjustments to the current National Airspace System (NAS) due to their unique performance characteristics, operational scale, and increased automation.
The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) released the “Metropolitan Airspace Strategy: Initial Advanced Air Mobility Operations” report, which outlines three use cases of these experimental aircraft, selected for their ability to highlight potential airspace modifications. Each use case operates independently and follows its own implementation timeline. To support this emerging aviation segment, AIA’s Emerging Technologies Committee, Airspace Working Group, has identified next steps and plans to publish a roadmap that will assist stakeholders in identifying gaps.
