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FDOT Prioritizes Emerging Aviation Technology to Expand Florida’s Transportation Network

Department Announces Advisory Committee and Hosts First Tabletop Exercises on Advanced Air Mobility

TAMPA, Fla. – This week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) emphasized its dedication to emerging technology by bringing together the newly-created Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Committee comprised of key industry partners and public and private sector stakeholders to discuss the integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into Florida’s transportation network and perform the first of three tabletop exercises. AAM is a developing air-based transportation mode that makes use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to carry passengers and cargo and provides essential services in urban and rural settings.  

“With Florida as a national leader in transportation, FDOT is proud to bring together the various partners who seek to have Advanced Air Mobility become an integral part of our transportation network,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Florida is an ideal target market for this technology and for related business opportunities. The efforts we are making now lay the groundwork for this upcoming option and will ensure success in the future.” 

FDOT partnered with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority to host this week’s meetings and tabletop exercise at Tampa International Airport. These tabletop exercises will include local government officials, stakeholders, and industry community leaders, to further identify needs, discuss challenges, streamline processes, and develop necessary infrastructure to begin AAM services in the Sunshine State. These discussions include the types of AAM operations, how AAM differs from traditional aviation, necessary landing infrastructure, and how local officials and community leaders can best plan for these in their communities.

“Advanced Air Mobility is a concept that has the potential to completely transform the transportation landscape throughout Florida, and it’s well on the way to being an everyday reality,” said Brett Fay, Vice President of General Aviation for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and an Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Committee Member. “Florida is leading the way in laying the groundwork for AAM, so this has been a great opportunity to meet with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to consider everyone’s needs as we move forward with these exciting new developments.” 

AAM is truly an emerging industry across the country. In Florida, FDOT and the Advisory Committee take great pride in bringing all stakeholders to the table to ask questions about the future of this industry to determine if AAM is right for their community and how it may impact their residents and visitors. The continued collaboration and open dialogue have been admired by many other states as the gold standard for making this new technology a reality. 

A prior iteration of the Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Committee produced the AAM Implementation and Public Outreach Plan last fall. Following the series of tabletop exercises and additional feedback from the Advisory Committee, the AAM Land Use and Site Approval Guidebook is slated to be released this summer. The guidebook will assist local planners, elected officials, and industry leaders to make informed decisions about AAM in communities throughout Florida, including land use and approval processes for these operations.  

Industry experts anticipate eVTOL aircraft taking flight commercially within the next few years, emphasizing the importance of establishing foundational steps for this emerging technology and businesses interested in this development. eVTOL aircraft could operate at some existing airports and heliports but could also operate at standalone landing facilities known as vertiports. 

For more information about Advanced Air Mobility, including types of eVTOL aircraft, visit FDOT.gov/aviation/advanced-air-mobility. 

FDOT’s mission is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities. FDOT strives to incorporate emerging technology within the transportation infrastructure and provide innovative options to best serve Floridians and visitors. For more about the Department, visit FDOT.gov.