Advanced Air Mobility Community Integration Considerations Playbook

This NASA playbook outlines key considerations for local and regional planning to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). It reviews challenges such as equity, infrastructure, funding, and community engagement, providing organizational, research, and policy guidance to prepare stakeholders for the safe, sustainable, and equitable deployment of AAM.<!-- notionvc: eee5ad53-6d96-4638-8775-c460ec375459 -->

The "Advanced Air Mobility Community Integration Considerations Playbook," published by NASA in 2023, serves as a practical resource for local, regional, tribal, and state entities preparing for the integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into existing transportation ecosystems. AAM encompasses emerging aviation technologies, including electric and vertical takeoff aircraft, drone operations, and regional air mobility for passengers and cargo. This white paper identifies nine key challenges for AAM integration: institutional readiness, equity, community engagement, multimodal planning, funding, economic development and workforce readiness, data management, operations and infrastructure interoperability, and environmental sustainability.

Each challenge is addressed through "plays" — action-oriented goals — supported by recommendations for organizational strategies, research priorities, and policy considerations. The document emphasizes proactive stakeholder engagement, including historically underserved communities, to ensure equitable outcomes and community acceptance. It highlights the importance of multimodal integration, connecting AAM with public transit and other modes, while recognizing infrastructural and regulatory complexities.

Funding strategies and workforce development initiatives are outlined to capitalize on economic opportunities from AAM.

The playbook advocates data standardization and open sharing while ensuring privacy and security to promote innovation and operational efficiency. Environmental sustainability is considered from a life-cycle perspective, encouraging repurposing existing infrastructure and minimizing negative impacts. The document concludes by stressing that continued research, policy development, and inclusive community involvement are critical to balancing commercial interests with public good in the rapidly evolving AAM ecosystem. Overall, this playbook provides foundational guidance for communities navigating the uncertain but promising future of advanced aviation mobility.

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