Advanced Air Mobility

Advanced air mobility (AAM) is a new, rapidly emerging sector of air transportation. Large and small companies are developing AAM aircraft and systems. The systems show high potential to enable new levels of transportation services in Minnesota, and we're moving quickly toward integrating them into the U.S. national air space.

We are focused on two areas to support AAM in Minnesota:

Aviation electrification
Integration and education

Aviation electrification

Electrification is a key driver for AAM. AAM aircraft will use Minnesota’s existing local public airports and infrastructure. We are preparing for a network of electric aircraft charging stations throughout the state to support future electric aircraft operations.

Seeking pilot projects

We’re also seeking electric aviation pilot projects to test and evaluate AAM use cases in Minnesota, support industry development, and build our understanding of how to plan for and implement electric aircraft charging stations.

Integration and education

To plan for a future of AAM in Minnesota, we need to build a community with a shared foundational understanding of AAM and emerging aviation technologies. We see our role as an integrator in Minnesota that will provide educational information about AAM, connect communities, businesses and people, and support opportunities for AAM service development.

Our goal is to support candid conversations about what is possible with AAM technology and identify Minnesota’s transportation needs where AAM may play a role in supporting local community transportation goals.

We started an AAM educational webinar series to discuss AAM integration into Minnesota’s airports and aviation system. Learn more about the webinars.

Other emerging areas

New vertical aviation infrastructure like vertiports
Low-altitude uncrewed aircraft traffic management
Infrastructure requirements for other forms of propulsion, such as hydrogen

While AAM is continuing to evolve, MnDOT defines advanced air mobility as an air transportation system with the following attributes:

Aircraft that can transport people and property (cargo);
Aircraft that are highly automated (e.g., pilot is not physically co-located with aircraft);
Aircraft with sustainably powered and innovative propulsion systems (e.g., battery electric propulsion, direct combustion hydrogen propulsion, hydrogen-electric propulsion); and
Aircraft with gross takeoff weight of 300 pounds or more.

Our definition of AAM does not include small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS), including aircraft that weigh less than 55 pounds.

Many manufacturers are racing to certify their AAM aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA and manufacturers have indicated that early AAM operations are expected to be similar to how airplanes and helicopters fly in the National Airspace System (NAS) today.

Most AAM aircraft will initially have a single pilot onboard to transport passengers and cargo
AAM aircraft are expected to take off and land at existing airports, and use purpose-built vertiports
Flight operators are looking to fly these aircraft under the Part 135 FAA Air Carrier and Operator regulations for on-demand and scheduled air carriers
Existing infrastructure and air traffic control communications will support visual and instrument flights

Most AAM aircraft are pursuing battery-electric propulsion systems, and electric charging stations will be required to support battery-electric and some hybrid-electric propulsion systems. There are also a few manufacturers aiming to certify fully automated aircraft.

AAM’s near-term opportunities and longer-term benefits are reflected in the AAM industry. These include reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (with a focus on carbon reduction), reducing the noise impact on communities, improving multimodal transportation networks, and strengthening our regional airports. Initial AAM use cases transporting people or cargo will seek to build a business case based on these motivations.

Engage with us

We’d be happy to schedule a meeting or presentation help answer questions or to help make connections. Use the form to contact Joe Block.