NASA on Advanced Air Mobility Integration

NASA’s Strategic Role in Integrating Advanced Air Mobility: Insights from Nancy Mendonca at AUVSI Xponential 2024

by DRONELIFE Contributing Editor Paul Rossi

During the AUVSI Xponential 2024 conference, I had the opportunity to sit down with Nancy Mendonca, the deputy NASA Advanced Air Mobility Mission integration manager. We discussed NASA‘s pivotal role in the government-led efforts to integrate advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions, such as drones and air taxis, into the U.S. transportation system. Here’s what I learned from our conversation about the ongoing collaborations and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.

Collaborative Efforts with the Department of Transportation

Mendonca highlighted that NASA is actively collaborating with the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Advanced Air Mobility integration working group, which includes 22 federal agencies. This group is instrumental in shaping the strategy for the integration of AAM technologies into national airspace. “We are in the process of developing the first draft strategy which is scheduled to be complete around the end of May,” Mendonca shared. This strategy is a direct response to the U.S. Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, aiming to create a unified approach among various government entities.

Addressing Key Challenges

When asked about the challenges in widespread adoption of AAM, Mendonca pointed out that community integration is paramount. “The transition from focusing solely on traditional stakeholders to engaging community stakeholders is critical for regional mobility,” she explained. NASA’s approach involves not just technical solutions but also societal integration, ensuring that AAM technologies are accepted and effectively utilized within communities.

Milestones Achieved Under the AAM Coordination and Leadership Act

Mendonca shared some of the noteworthy achievements under the AAM Coordination and Leadership Act. “One of our early steps included issuing a Request for Information (RFI) that received nearly 500 responses. This helped us gauge the pulse of the industry and public interest,” she stated. Furthermore, the coordination among over 20 federal agencies stands as a testament to the collaborative effort required to advance AAM technologies. “The upcoming first draft of our strategy will mark a significant milestone in our journey,” she added.

A Message to DroneLife.com Readers

For readers of DroneLife.com, Mendonca emphasized the importance of understanding the collaborative nature of NASA’s initiatives. “We are working not just with traditional aerospace sectors but also with the Department of Education and the Department of Labor, as well as with AFWERX, to help increase community awareness about AAM,” she said. This broad engagement is crucial for developing a workforce capable of supporting this new era of air mobility.

Our discussion with Nancy Mendonca at AUVSI Xponential 2024 shed light on the integral role NASA plays in fostering the development and integration of AAM technologies. With a focus on collaboration, community involvement, and strategic milestone planning, NASA is steering the future of transportation toward a more innovative and inclusive horizon.

Read more:

• Harnessing Weather for Safer Skies: A Deep Dive with NASA’s Nancy Mendonca on Advanced Drone Flight Safety
• NASA Advances Drone Autonomy: DRONELIFE Exclusive Interview with Researcher Jeffrey Homola
• Archer Aviation and NASA: Pioneering the Future of Air Mobility
• Navigating the Skies: FAA and NASA Unveil Top 3 Breakthroughs in UAS and AAM for 2023

Paul Rossi is the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Pilot atNine Ten Drones, a N. C.-based drone services company, training center, and reseller.  Rossi is also the Outreach Coordinator for the North Carolina Chapter of AUVSI.  A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and the U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School, Rossi is passionate about the aviation industry.  He holds both a private pilot’s license for manned aircraft and a Part 107 Remote Pilot’s Certificate.  You can see more videos and product information on the Nine Ten Drones YouTube channel.