#United States #Austin #Urban Air Mobility #SkyGrid #Wisk Aero

Introduction

In an ambitious stride towards modernizing air travel, SkyGrid, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Third-Party Service Provider, in collaboration with Wisk Aero, an innovator in autonomous aviation, has released a significant white paper titled Enabling Scalable Urban Air Mobility Through Automated Flight Rules. This document is pivotal as it outlines a comprehensive strategy for integrating Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations safely and efficiently within global airspace.

Background

As we look toward the future, the increasing demand for efficient transport solutions in urban environments necessitates the seamless operation of passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The new paper builds upon the 2025 Automated Flight Rules Concept of Operations, which aims to transition from a broad conceptual framework into a focused approach suitable for low-altitude UAM operations. The authors assert that in order for UAM to thrive, a new operational landscape within urban airspace is essential.

Challenges Ahead

One of the fundamental challenges discussed within the paper is the impending integration of high-tempo flights into the already congested urban airspace. To address this, SkyGrid and Wisk delineate the necessity for an integrated evolution of airspace management that includes:

• - Sophisticated automated traffic management systems
• - The introduction of new aviation classifications, termed Class X airspace
• - The establishment of new protocols through Automated Flight Rules (AFR)

AFR is proposed to function in conjunction with existing Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), thus augmenting traditional methods rather than replacing them. As opposed to conventional regulations which heavily rely on human oversight and real-time communications, AFR aims to empower aircraft equipped with certified automation for efficient conflict management and decision-making.

The Shift to Automated Flight Rules

This shift towards AFR is considered pivotal for maintaining safety while promoting higher-density operations and reducing the workload on air traffic controllers. Specifically tailored for low-altitude operations below 4000 feet AGL, the paper emphasizes that UAM operations are expected to mirror the operational tempos of major airports while navigating around existing Class B, C, and D airspaces.

CEO of SkyGrid, Jia Xu, emphasizes the inherent necessity of transitioning to a more automated framework, stating, “Urban Air Mobility cannot scale under today's human-centric traffic management model alone. Automated Flight Rules represent the next logical evolution in aviation.” Xu further asserts that the white paper lays out a practical pathway for realizing this transformative vision.

Future Innovations with Wisk Royalty

Erick Corona, Head of Systems and Operations Integration at Wisk, highlights the importance of aligning airspace modernization with advancements in aircraft technology. The company is currently designing its Gen 6 aircraft to be compatible with the AFR strategies elucidated in the paper. This collaboration is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of autonomous AAM solutions while fostering a safer travel environment.

A Layered Approach to Conflict Management

The white paper advocates for a multi-tiered method to manage conflicts effectively. This begins even before takeoff with proactive demand-capacity balancing and operational intent validation. By adjusting traffic flows well in advance, high-density operations can occur without placing excessive pressure on traditional air traffic control systems. Subsequent layers of conflict management during flight enable a comprehensive strategy aimed at preventing collisions and ensuring safe operations across urban settings.

Inviting Stakeholder Collaboration

In conclusion, the paper presents a thorough and scalable model for integrating UAM into our airspace, leveraging automated traffic management systems, newly defined airspace classes, and innovative flight rules. As stakeholders from regulatory agencies to industry leaders, are encouraged to participate in this dialogue, SkyGrid and Wisk envision a collaborative effort to advance UAM safely and sustainably into the future.

For individuals and entities invested in the future of urban aviation, this white paper serves as a foundational text that might shape the trajectory of air mobility in our cities for the decades to come.

Conclusion

As urban landscapes evolve, so too must the methodologies we adopt in our pursuit of efficient, safe, and scalable urban air mobility solutions. SkyGrid and Wisk’s latest insights are a significant step in this direction, fostering hope for a well-connected aerial future.