Discussion on Establishing UAM Operating Concept from the Pilot’s Perspective

Abstract

Aviation industry is moving towards the third innovative era of AAM with electric power and AI after the JET-powered era following the Wright brothers' first flights. Research on UAM, eVTOL development, certification, and operations is competitively progressing, primarily in aviation-leading countries, aiming to resolve urban traffic saturation and foster the future aviation industries. This study introduces the concept of the pilot's role transition in operational safety as AI autonomous flight advances, comparing K-UAM operational concept with research from FAA, NASA, and EASA. It is to identify and propose solutions for challenges from the pilot's perspective in developing UAM and its safe operation system. To succeed in Advanced Air Mobility National Project, we suggest the collaboration among industry, academia, and institutions, along with the cooperation between civilians, governments, military, and the need for Urban Air Mobility integrated policies.