Last week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) concluded two additional tabletop exercises as part of their ongoing discussions on integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into Florida’s transportation network. These exercises, organized by the FDOT Aviation Office, are aimed at addressing land use considerations and gathering feedback on AAM, an emerging air-based transportation mode using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The recent roundtables took place in Daytona Beach and Miami, following an initial exercise in April. “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,” stated Jared W. Perdue, P.E., Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. He emphasized the importance of working with community and industry partners to ensure that Florida is prepared for AAM’s integration.
Insights from these exercises will contribute to FDOT’s Advanced Air Mobility Land Use Compatibility and Site Approval Guidebook. This guidebook will be reviewed by the FDOT AAM Advisory Committee in August and is expected to be available this fall. It aims to assist local governments in making informed decisions regarding land use and operational approval processes for AAM.
The 50-member FDOT AAM Advisory Committee includes key industry partners along with public and private sector stakeholders. As eVTOL aircraft are anticipated to become commercially viable within a few years, establishing foundational aspects for this technology is crucial.
FDOT’s comprehensive discussions involve local government officials, airport leaders, community members, industry leaders, and agency officials. This collaborative approach has positioned Florida as a standard-bearer for AAM development nationwide.
