NBAA-BACE Panel to Address Federal Perspective on Integrating AAM Into National Aviation System

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced a distinguished panel of experts that will discuss the federal perspective on facilitating advanced air mobility (AAM) operations during a session at the 2021 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), taking place in Las Vegas.

Set for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, the panel will offer perspectives from the following respected industry officials working in the AAM space:

• Steven Clarke, deputy associate administrator, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• Col.  Nathan P. Diller, director, AFWERX, a U.S. Air Force program focused on developing a culture of innovation within the service

• Christopher J. Rocheleau, FAA acting associate administrator for aviation safety, tasked with leading the organization responsible for setting safety standards and overseeing all aspects of the nation’s aviation industry

“NBAA-BACE serves an important place to not only showcase innovation across our industry, but to also discuss how these emerging technologies will be implemented,” said NBAA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Christa Lucas “We’re pleased to bring together these influential policymakers and thought leaders to host an important conversation about current work in the AAM space, how each agency is preparing and planning, and future policies and regulations in this space.”

The discussion will be moderated by former FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, who was instrumental in moving unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) policymaking forward during his time at FAA, and now works as a transportation industry consultant.

Anticipated topics include the unique challenges and opportunities posed by integrating electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) AAM vehicles into the current aviation system, and how the USAF, NASA and FAA are working together to provide solutions that embrace the potential for AAM to enhance transportation across the nation, while also maintaining and enhancing existing levels of safety.

This discussion will be one of several AAM-focused presentations taking place throughout NBAA-BACE, which will also feature the largest display of eVTOL aircraft yet assembled at a business aviation event. AAM exhibitors include:

• Bell Textron, Inc

• Honeywell International

• Jaunt Air Mobility LLC

• Kitty Hawk

• Northern Plains UAS Test Site

• Overair, Inc.

• XTI Aircraft

In addition, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, a driving force behind multiple AAM companies, including Beta Technologies, will be a Day 1 keynote speaker. Rothblatt also will be presented with the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award for her trailblazing work in aviation.

NBAA-BACE will take place Oct. 12-14 in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and at nearby Henderson Executive Airport (HND).