NBAA-BACE: Government Leaders Discuss New AAM Rules, Integration of Emerging Industries

Oct. 23, 2024

The always popular Meet the Regulators session gave 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) attendees an opportunity to hear directly from top regulators about their priorities for business aviation – and this year, further discuss the newly released publication of operational rules for advanced air mobility (AAM).

The session came on the heels of the publication of the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations. The rule provides initial operational rules and pilot qualifications requirements for powered-lift aircraft, which are integral to AAM operations.

David Boulter, associate administrator for aviation safety at the FAA, spoke to the SFAR, saying, “Ultimately, it’s the foundation for AAM moving forward. It’s the start; we aren’t done. It’s really important for the United States of America to get out there and put these rules in place for these operations.”

Meanwhile the FAA is also working on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) for drones, with an Aviation Rulemaking Committee’s report complete and the agency moving forward to proposed rulemaking.

“Today is a celebration of the final rule for AAM, but we’re also moving forward with a foundational rule for BVLOS,” said Boulter.

The regulators pointed to the importance of data from industry and federal agencies, as well as collaborative relationships between industry and regulators, in ensuring the best tools are in place to support a vibrant aviation industry. Collaboration also is key to ensuring U.S. leadership in both traditional and emerging segments.

Paul Fontaine, assistant administrator for NextGen at the FAA, shared goals to transform the nation’s airspace to more automation and efficiency. The NextGen office is working on integration of AAM into the airspace as aircraft certification and operational rules are now determined.

Timothy Arel, chief operating officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, described the organization’s goal of achieving equitable access to the airspace, using data-based decisions.

Boulter pointed to a declining fatal accident rate in general aviation, though loss-of-control inflight (LOC-I) and controlled flight into terrain continue to be the leading causes of general aviation accidents.

“We have an opportunity with safety technology to prevent LOC-I,” said Boulter, explaining the FAA shouldn’t stand in the way of getting this life-saving technology into not only new aircraft but retrofit into older aircraft.

“We have to lean into the technology and the data to prevent those tragic accidents. We cannot be afraid to use technology to improve safety,” he added.

Chad M. Gorman, deputy executive assistant administrator at the Transportation Security Administration, noted the record number of operations across the system and investment in emerging industry sectors.

“We are seeing continual evolution in the industry,” said Gorman. “Our goal is to make sure we’re linked up with our safety partners at the FAA and we’re committed to making sure as we bring online operating models [like AAM,] we are implementing security end-to-end without hindering those models or being a roadblock.”

Gorman said the agency will soon share with industry a roadmap to securely integrating AAM operations into the system, requesting feedback to ensure risks are accurately identified and appropriately mitigated.