What is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)?

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an umbrella term for a new generation of aircraft that are highly automated, electrically powered, and have vertical take-off and landing capability giving them the characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. They are often referred to as an electric air taxi. They can be used to transport cargo and passengers, help with emergency response, and provide search and rescue operations.  

AAM operations will mostly operate from newly built vertiports, existing airports, or secure areas for vertical takeoff and landings on land, water, or building rooftops.

What is the difference between an Advanced Air Mobility aircraft and Package Delivery by Drone?

AAM is separated from Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) drones by size, safety certification, and range. Both may be automated or remotely piloted, but the commonality stops there. Advanced Air Mobility encompasses a suite of technological capabilities that include electric, hybrid electric and even hydrogen propulsion. They typically include advanced flight systems and have a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds designed for carrying people and large loads. Importantly, AAM aircraft will have airworthiness certificates from the FAA that are not typical for smaller drones.

Package Delivery by drones typically involves small aircraft carrying single packages as external loads over small distances. Drones are also not designed for carrying humans or heavy cargo. Congress defines a drone as an aircraft of no more than 1,320 pounds that operates below 18,000 feet.  

Where will we see AAM implemented?

We expect that AAM aircraft will initially use existing infrastructure such as helipads, airspace, and air traffic control services. In December 2024, the FAA updated its vertiport design standards which serve as the foundation to begin safely building infrastructure in this new era.

The Department of Transportation and FAA released the 2026-2036 National Strategy and Comprehensive Plan, providing steps that federal agencies and others will need to take to safely enable advanced air mobility operations in the near term.  

Who is responsible for addressing concerns from the public?  

It will be the responsibility of the AAM operator to address concerns from the public and community leaders for their specific operations, including topics such as noise, overflights, roadway traffic, etc. Local governments will have the responsibility for zoning protection, land use compatibility planning, and community engagement.

The FAA is working now to educate local communities about AAM operations in and around metropolitan areas. For this effort, we’re engaging with state, local, and tribal governments and communities.  

How do communities decide if their locations are fit for AAM?

AAM operations may not be right for every location. Local officials and community stakeholders should assess if the project aligns with state/city needs before considering implementation. Ask: Does it benefit the area? Does it add value to the community? Has the operator met the requirements?  

Understanding needs include understanding technical and logistic parameters. For all stages of implementation, the location, condition, and capacity should be identified -- no matter if the process is in its beginning, intermediate, or advanced stage.  

What are the benefits of AAM?

Benefits of AAM can include:

• Moving passengers in urban and regional areas
• Moving goods between airports, cargo facilities, and distribution centers
• Increasing public safety by providing additional support for search and rescue, air ambulance, disaster relief, etc.  

AAM may provide new capabilities that could reduce costs, enhance delivery of mission services by public agencies, and increase public safety, security, search and rescue, air ambulance, disaster response, and other critical services.  

Collaboration and information sharing across government agencies will increase efficiency. Current and proposed use cases consist of a description of the specific scenario in an actual or realistic location, an analysis of existing costs, a projection of costs to implement the AAM, and discussion of the anticipated impacts.  

How do noise regulations apply to AAM aircraft certifications?  

Existing FAA noise regulations will apply to aircraft in the powered-lift category, which includes AAM aircraft. The FAA will examine each aircraft and determine whether existing requirements are appropriate or if the Agency needs to create rules for that particular aircraft.  

How safe is AAM?  

Any AAM operations (eVTOLs, air taxis, cargo drones) must meet FAA safety expectations equivalent to traditional aviation, especially if carrying passengers.