Autonomy Now?: Is It Time to Start Integrating (Autonomous) Urban Air Mobility Vehicles into the National Airspace System?

Urban Air Mobility has the potential to radically change the fundamental nature of transportation within the United States. But challenges abound—from critical shortages of air traffic controllers and pilots and gaps in key technologies and infrastructure to the negative public perception of autonomous vehicles. FAA and industry, employing an evolutionary and safety-focused approach, can overcome these challenges through a combination of creative regulation, targeted technology development, and leveraging lessons learned through the FAA’s drone integration efforts. However, if drone integration is any guide, industry should be prepared for a long integration timeline, with autonomy still on the horizon.