Utah Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure and Regulatory Study

This report explores advanced air mobility (AAM) development and implementation in Utah. It identifies current state assets and required infrastructure and proposes a phased implementation timeline. The report also discusses financing options and legislative considerations necessary to support AAM operations.

The Utah Legislature commissioned this study to assess the feasibility of implementing advanced air mobility (AAM) in the state. AAM offers economic and environmental benefits, including job creation and reduced carbon emissions. However, it also presents challenges such as regulatory hurdles and public acceptance.

Current Assets

Utah has existing infrastructure that can support AAM, including:

• Aviation Infrastructure: Airports can serve as hubs for AAM operations.

• Parking Facilities: Underutilized parking lots can be repurposed as vertiports.

• Electrical Grid: The state's electrical grid can support electric aircraft, though substation upgrades may be needed.

• Communications Network: Utah's fiber optic and cellular networks are robust.

Required Assets

To fully implement AAM, Utah needs to develop:

• Hard Infrastructure: Vertiports, unmanned traffic management systems, and aerial traffic operations centers.

• Soft Infrastructure: Policies, workforce development, and public outreach.

Phased Implementation Timeline

The proposed implementation plan includes four phases:

1. Phase One (2-3 years): Focus on community outreach and initial infrastructure development.

2. Phase Two (3-5 years): Expand infrastructure for passenger air mobility and emergency services.

3. Phase Three (7-15 years): Comprehensive unmanned traffic management and vertiport operations.

4. Phase Four (15-30 years): Statewide implementation connecting urban and rural communities.

Financing and Funding

Options include municipal bonds, state infrastructure bank loans, federal grants, and private investments. Potential funding sources include user fees, registration fees, and taxes on electricity used as aviation fuel.

Legislative Considerations

The Legislature may need to define AAM-related terms, regulate AAM operations, and establish an AAM program office. Ensuring local permitting processes are streamlined is also crucial.