Day 1 Panel Discussions

Session 1

Fundamentals of On-Demand Aviation

Panelists

Clint Harper, Metis Technology Solutions, Inc., Moderator

Praveen Raju, NextGen, Federal Aviation Administration

Rex Alexander, Vertical Flight Society

Edward Espiritu, United Airlines

Scott Cary, National Renewable Energy Lab

Christopher Ash, Hillwood/Alliance Aviation Services

The first session of the Insight Event featured a discussion of key concepts, including the state of new entrants in the aviation landscape, challenges in ecosystem integration, energy infrastructure requirements, and the myriad opportunities across various use cases. Clint Harper stepped in for Shivanjili Sharma of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center to moderate the session.

Praveen Raju discussed the FAA’s uncrewed/unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAM concepts of operations. He explained that the FAA began with on-demand aviation use cases involving small drones and has since evolved to include using larger aircraft for passenger mobility and other applications.

Edward Espiritu discussed United Airlines’ interest in sustainable aviation and AAM. He explained that United Airlines has invested in several aviation startups, including electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), and is now discussing internal strategies for operationalizing AAM.

The panel engaged in a robust discussion on the differences between scheduled and on-demand operations and how drawing lessons from commercial aviation could be applied to AAM. Rex Alexander emphasized the fact that no flight operation is entirely weather independent, adding that one of the business challenges associated with AAM is countering a misperception that certain aircraft can fly under all conditions. He also stressed the importance of infrastructure resiliency and the need for greater focus on AAM ground operations at vertiports.

Scott Cary encouraged industry, airports, and other stakeholders to prepare for electric aviation. Cary pointed out the increasing demand for information on electric load

requirements at airports and the need to assess whether both airports and the broader grid can accommodate future demands for electricity. He underscored the importance of resilient energy networks and learning from emerging practices in other industries such as the growth of electric vehicles.

Both Alexander and Christopher Ash discussed the importance of helping airports to prepare their infrastructure for the next chapter in aviation history and the need for adaptation and development to align with evolving aviation trends.

Session 2

System Planning for On-Demand Aviation

Panelists

Clint Harper, Metis Technology Solutions, Inc., Moderator

Robin Grace, Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Paul Damron, Utah Department of Transportation

Kathryn Purwin, Helinet Aviation Services

Laura Chace, Intelligent Transportation Society of America

The discussion focused on the potential impacts of on-demand aviation on airports and communities, the potential challenges, and considerations for planning and preparing for AAM.

Robin Grace discussed the potential for on-demand aviation in healthcare use cases, such as reaching underserved communities in transportation deserts, particularly rural communities. Paul Damron emphasized the importance of taking a gradual approach to AAM, likening it to a “crawl, walk, run” strategy. He described the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT’s) plans to embark on studies supporting infrastructure development, understanding the effects of microweather (hyperlocalized weather/atmospheric conditions), and enhancing community engagement. Damron also discussed the work of Utah’s Advanced Air Mobility Working Group and UAS operations within the UDOT, highlighting various applications, including collecting environmental data and conducting sign inspections using drones.

Laura Chace provided a brief overview of ITSA’s role as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the organization’s interest in AAM. Chace underscored the importance of prioritizing society and communities when deploying innovative transportation technologies. She outlined five key priorities for AAM:

1. Seamless multimodal integration.
2. Integration of digital infrastructure on the ground and in the air.

3. Use of design thinking to align AAM with community needs.
4. Universal design and equitable use cases.
5. Building public trust through community engagement.

Chace emphasized that it is imperative that AAM meet community needs rather than merely provide additional transportation options for those who are already well served by existing transportation networks.

Kathryn Purwin discussed Helinet’s turnkey use cases, which include aeromedical transport, organ transplant flights, and other professional applications, such as news gathering, production work, and package delivery.