FlightLab: Toward Routine Operations of More Aircraft (m) Than Remote Pilots 13 June 2023 1330 - 1500

The AAM ecosystem is expected to advance from current state-of-the-art operations to a ubiquitous capability, similar to cars today. To realize this vision for AAM, technology will be needed to allow a few operators to manage many vehicles. This is accomplished by fully-automated or autonomous aircraft that have no need for a pilot or operator on-board or on the ground, improving vehicle productivity and economics. The likely scenario is that a remote supervisor will oversee the operation of multiple aircraft with strategic fleet management goals. There are numerous challenges associated with technical/operational, safety and security, societal acceptance, and regulatory. The path from existing m:n operations on small UAS in isolated areas to larger aircraft, such as air taxis and cargo aircraft, operating in a more integrated NAS is not clear.     The panel will discuss key gaps in aviation and research community activities that need to be addressed and/or accelerated to enable routine m:n operations in civil airspace. The discussion will explore building blocks, ongoing activities, needed activities, and potential paths which build on the maturity of enabling technical capabilities.