AAM offers the potential to introduce new, smaller facilities that could be tightly integrated into communities—both rural and urban—rather than located separate from population centers. This elevates the importance of decision-making and planning at the local level as the AAM ecosystem evolves. Before engagement consider:

Power: Have you identified the power sources, equipment and providers to ensure AAM operations can begin without risking power provision to local businesses and residents?

Airspace: You may have the perfect location selected, but that doesn’t mean the FAA will be able to safely provide air traffic services from the selected site. Work with the FAA once sites are selected to ensure they are viable for flights.

Users: Have you engaged with the local community and expected users of the AAM services. Are they supportive and have you addressed the local concerns?  

Service: Is there enough space to accommodate multiple operators or use cases? Affordability in air services is usually driven by competition between operators. Building for AAM networks that can have multiple operators and types of service may take more space and investment, but it will provide greater options and benefits to your public.

Economy: What are the sustainment costs and upkeep required by the community for the proposed AAM facilities. Are there adequate plans for funding in the future? How do those compare and connect to other modes of transportation serving citizens in the area?  

Be prepared to address:  

• Safety  
• Overflights
• Community engagement/public outreach
• Privacy
• Noise and visual impacts
• The difference between private and public facilities