NASA’s Strategic Function in Integrating Superior Air Mobility: Insights from Nancy Mendonca at AUVSI Xponential 2024
by DRONELIFE Contributing Editor Paul Rossi
Throughout the AUVSI Xponential 2024 convention, I had the chance to sit down down with Nancy Mendonca, the deputy NASA Superior Air Mobility Mission integration supervisor. We mentioned NASA‘s pivotal position within the government-led efforts to combine superior air mobility (AAM) options, resembling drones and air taxis, into the U.S. transportation system. Right here’s what I realized from our dialog in regards to the ongoing collaborations and challenges on this quickly evolving discipline.
Collaborative Efforts with the Division of Transportation
Mendonca highlighted that NASA is actively collaborating with the Division of Transportation (DOT) by way of the Superior Air Mobility integration working group, which incorporates 22 federal companies. This group is instrumental in shaping the technique for the mixing of AAM applied sciences into nationwide airspace. “We’re within the technique of growing the primary draft technique which is scheduled to be full across the finish of Could,” Mendonca shared. This technique is a direct response to the U.S. Superior Air Mobility Coordination and Management Act, aiming to create a unified method amongst varied authorities entities.
Addressing Key Challenges
When requested in regards to the challenges in widespread adoption of AAM, Mendonca identified that group integration is paramount. “The transition from focusing solely on conventional stakeholders to participating group stakeholders is vital for regional mobility,” she defined. NASA’s method entails not simply technical options but additionally societal integration, making certain that AAM applied sciences are accepted and successfully utilized inside communities.
Milestones Achieved Underneath the AAM Coordination and Management Act
Mendonca shared a number of the noteworthy achievements underneath the AAM Coordination and Management Act. “Considered one of our early steps included issuing a Request for Info (RFI) that obtained almost 500 responses. This helped us gauge the heart beat of the trade and public curiosity,” she acknowledged. Moreover, the coordination amongst over 20 federal companies stands as a testomony to the collaborative effort required to advance AAM applied sciences. “The upcoming first draft of our technique will mark a big milestone in our journey,” she added.
A Message to DroneLife.com Readers
For readers of DroneLife.com, Mendonca emphasised the significance of understanding the collaborative nature of NASA’s initiatives. “We’re working not simply with conventional aerospace sectors but additionally with the Division of Training and the Division of Labor, in addition to with AFWERX, to assist improve group consciousness about AAM,” she mentioned. This broad engagement is essential for growing a workforce able to supporting this new period of air mobility.
Our dialogue with Nancy Mendonca at AUVSI Xponential 2024 make clear the integral position NASA performs in fostering the event and integration of AAM applied sciences. With a concentrate on collaboration, group involvement, and strategic milestone planning, NASA is steering the way forward for transportation towards a extra progressive and inclusive horizon.
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Paul Rossi is the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Pilot at9 Ten Drones, a N. C.-based drone providers firm, coaching middle, and reseller. Rossi can also be the Outreach Coordinator for the North Carolina Chapter of AUVSI. A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical College and the U.S. Military Aviation Logistics Faculty, Rossi is passionate in regards to the aviation trade. He holds each a non-public pilot’s license for manned plane and a Half 107 Distant Pilot’s Certificates. You possibly can see extra movies and product info on the 9 Ten Drones YouTube channel.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, an expert drone providers market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone trade and the regulatory surroundings for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles targeted on the industrial drone area and is a world speaker and acknowledged determine within the trade. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising and marketing for brand new applied sciences.
For drone trade consulting or writing, E-mail Miriam.
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