AAM Advanced Air mobility training: Advanced Air mobility and Vertiport Design and Operations educational programs 2024
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The rapid development of the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry is fueling a growing need for specialized training in vertiport design and operations. As electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft move closer to commercial reality, the supporting ground infrastructure must be carefully planned and built to enable safe, efficient passenger services. This has led several universities, companies, and organizations to establish new educational programs to prepare professionals to master the unique challenges of vertiport development.
Online Courses:
Several online courses are now available for those new to the AAM space or seeking a broad introduction to urban air mobility concepts and vertiport planning considerations. These programs provide a flexible, self-paced learning option for professionals looking to expand their knowledge.
The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) The Netherlands offers an online course called "Urban Air Mobility" that takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of UAM, including vehicle design, performance, control systems, and infrastructure requirements. Through video lectures, readings, and assessments, participants understand the complex interplay of factors in successfully integrating eVTOL operations into urban environments.
On the Coursera platform, learners can enroll in the "Urban Air Mobility" course to gain an overview of the UAM ecosystem. The course material explores vehicle designs, operational concepts, infrastructure needs, and the potential impacts of UAM on cities and communities. Delivered through video lectures and quizzes, the course provides a solid foundation for understanding the key elements and challenges of the emerging UAM landscape.
The Flight Safety Group's Vertiport Safety Training (VST) Course is an online program based on the ISO 5015-2:2022 standard for vertiport operations. The course emphasizes safety procedures, risk management, emergency response, and infrastructure design considerations. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of best practices for ensuring safe and efficient vertiport operations.
The Electric VTOL Aircraft Design course is offered jointly by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Vertical Flight Society (VFS). This online course focuses on the fundamental principles and technologies in designing eVTOL aircraft, including battery systems, electric propulsion, and motor design. While not directly focused on vertiports, the course provides valuable context for understanding the unique requirements and constraints of the vehicles operating from these facilities.
While these online courses offer valuable introductory content, they do not typically include hands-on components related to vertiport design or specialized software tools. However, they are essential in helping students gain a shared understanding of UAM principles and the significance of vertiport infrastructure.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an online course titled "Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Fundamentals" through the edX platform. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones. It is designed to equip students with essential knowledge about drone technology, applications, and regulation. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to hobbyists and professionals interested in the rapidly growing field of unmanned aerial systems.
Hands-on Training:
For professionals seeking an immersive, in-depth learning experience, several organizations offer multi-day in-person training programs focused on vertiport planning, design, and operations.
One of the most noteworthy offerings is the LYNEports Vertiport Master Class, providing comprehensive hands-on training specifically focused on using software for vertiport design and planning. Developed by LYNEports, a leading vertiport design software company, this unique course offers an interactive learning experience led by industry experts.
The master class is tailored to architects, urban planners, civil engineers, and aviation professionals seeking practical skills using the LYNEports software suite for vertiport site selection, layout, and design. Participants engage in real-world case studies and collaborative design exercises to deepen their understanding of the software's capabilities and best practices for vertiport planning.
By completing the course, professionals can differentiate themselves in the job market as specialists using industry-leading vertiport design tools. The hands-on, software-focused nature of the training sets it apart from other educational options and makes it a valuable resource for those directly involved in vertiport development projects.
Airtight, a global aviation consultancy, hosts a 3-day Vertiport Planning and Design Training course. The course is called "Vertiports Planning and Design" and is offered by Airsight, a global aviation consultancy. Some key points:
- It's a 3-day course held in Singapore
- Dates: September 10-12, 2024
- It covers eVTOL aircraft types, vertiport siting and layout, infrastructure requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
- Taught by industry experts like Denis Thiemer
- Aimed at aerodrome designers, engineers, planners, operators, civil aviation authorities, architects, and government agencies
This intensive program delves into eVTOL aircraft characteristics, vertiport site selection criteria, layout considerations, capacity planning, visual aids, and regulatory frameworks. Taught by experienced industry professionals, it provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the critical factors and best practices involved in successful vertiport development.
The Flight Safety Group and its online Vertiport Safety Training also offer an in-person version of the course. While the online program focuses more on operational safety based on international standards, the in-person training provides opportunities for hands-on learning and direct interaction with expert instructors.
As the AAM industry matures, additional in-person training options will likely emerge, providing professionals with even more opportunities to gain specialized knowledge and practical skills related to vertical port design and operations.
University Programs
Forward-thinking universities are beginning to recognize the growing demand for AAM expertise and are developing graduate-level certificate programs to meet this need.
Kansas State University Salina offers an Advanced Air Mobility Graduate Certificate that covers essential topics such as aerospace communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems and the unique challenges of operating in urban canyon environments. The program equips participants with a solid foundation in the AAM ecosystem's technologies and operational concepts.
Similarly, the University of Arkansas has introduced a Graduate Microcertificate in Advanced Air Mobility and Autonomous Operations. This focused program includes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations management courses and advanced air mobility, preparing students to take on leadership roles in the rapidly evolving AAM industry.
While these graduate certificate programs represent essential steps in developing AAM-focused education, there is still a notable absence of complete university degree programs centered on vertiport design and planning. As the industry continues to grow and mature, leading aerospace, aviation, and urban planning university programs are expected to expand their course offerings and potentially develop dedicated degree tracks to meet the increasing demand for vertiport development expertise.
| Program Name | Format | Length | Key Features | Target Audience | Provider | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Air Mobility | Online | 6 weeks | - Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach- Covers vehicle design, performance, control systems, and infrastructure | Professionals new to AAM | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) | €1,095 |
| Urban Air Mobility | Online | 4 weeks | - Overview of UAM ecosystem- Explores vehicle designs, operational concepts, and infrastructure needs | General learners | Coursera | Free to audit, $49 for certificate |
| Vertiport Safety Training (VST) | Online | Self-paced | - Based on ISO 5015-2:2022 standard- Focuses on safety procedures and risk management | Vertiport operators | Flight Safety Group | $825.00 (AUD) incl. GST |
| Electric VTOL Aircraft Design | Online | Self-paced | - Focuses on eVTOL aircraft design principles- Covers battery systems and electric propulsion | Engineers, designers | AIAA and VFS | Non-Member Price: $1145 USD |
| LYNEports Vertiport Master Class | In-person | 8 Days | - Software-centric approach- Real-world case studies and design exercises | Architects, urban planners, civil engineers | LYNEports | €500.00 |
| Vertiport Planning and Design | In-person | 3 days | - Covers eVTOL types, vertiport siting, layout, and regulations- Taught by industry experts | Aerodrome designers, engineers, planners, operators | Airsight | 3.200,00 SGD |
| Advanced Air Mobility Graduate Certificate | Online/Hybrid | 12 credit hours | - Covers aerospace CNS systems- Focuses on urban canyon environments | Graduate students, professionals | Kansas State University Salina | Varies by credit hour |
| Graduate Microcertificate in Advanced Air Mobility and Autonomous Operations | Online | 9 credit hours | - Includes UAS operations management- Prepares for leadership roles in AAM | Graduate students, professionals | University of Arkansas | Varies by credit hour |
Online Courses vs. In-Person Training
While online courses offer flexibility and accessibility, they may lack the depth and hands-on experience in-person training provides. For instance, the Urban Air Mobility courses from TU Delft and Coursera offer a broad introduction but may not equip participants with the practical skills needed for vertiport design. In contrast, in-person programs like the LYNEports Vertiport Master Class and Airsight's Vertiport Planning and Design course offer more immersive experiences. The LYNEports program, in particular, stands out for its focus on software-based design, which is crucial for practical application in the field.
Depth of Content
Specialized vs. General ProgramsThe Electric VTOL Aircraft Design course by AIAA and VFS focuses specifically on aircraft design, which may be too narrow for those seeking comprehensive vertiport knowledge. On the other hand, the Vertiport Safety Training (VST) Course by Flight Safety Group, based on ISO standards, provides targeted information on Vertiport operations and safety.
Academic vs. Industry-Led ProgramsUniversity programs like Kansas State's Advanced Air Mobility Graduate Certificate offer a more academic approach, potentially providing a stronger theoretical foundation. However, industry-led courses like Airsight's may offer more up-to-date, practical insights due to their direct connection with the rapidly evolving AAM sector.
Cost-Effectiveness
The costs of these programs vary significantly. While Coursera's Urban Air Mobility course can be audited for free, specialized programs like the LYNEports Master Class (€500) or AIAA's Electric VTOL Aircraft Design course ($1145 for non-members) require substantial investment. Prospective students should consider the return on investment based on their career goals and current industry involvement.
The Evolving Landscape of Vertiport Training
As the AAM industry rapidly advances, the educational landscape of vertiport design and operations training will continue to evolve. No official certifications for vertiport designers have been established, but such programs may emerge as regulatory frameworks and industry standards become more defined.
In the meantime, professionals seeking to build expertise in this field have a growing range of options, each with its focus and benefits. The LYNEports Vertiport Master Class stands out for its hands-on, software-centric approach, making it an excellent choice for those directly involved in vertiport design projects. Online courses offer accessibility and flexibility for those seeking foundational knowledge, while in-person workshops provide immersive learning experiences and opportunities for networking with industry peers.
As universities continue to adapt their programs to meet the needs of the AAM industry, prospective students should keep a close eye on new course offerings and certificate programs that can provide them with the specialized knowledge and skills required to excel in this exciting and rapidly growing field.
Ultimately, the key to vertiport design and operations success is staying informed about the latest developments, technologies, and best practices. Industry professionals should actively seek educational opportunities, engage with industry associations and events, and collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and insights.