Asia-Pacific AAM Report 1H 2023

INTERVIEW WITH STUTTGART UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
frameworks must also encompass compliance with existing
aviation regulations, even as they factor in the integration of
non-automated aircraft sharing the same airspace. The fact that
Joby Aviation has taken the lead by becoming the first Advanced
Air Mobility (AAM) company to receive certification from the
International Standard for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO)
is a testament to its dedication to safety commitments within this
sector.
The resolution of these operational challenges will undoubtedly
have a direct impact on user trust and the rate of adoption of
eVTOLs as a viable mode of transportation.
Psychological Implications: Changing
Perception is Key
In light of the current eVTOL landscape, the shift towards
autonomous eVTOLs undeniably carries significant psychological
implications for both users and operators.
Potential users must overcome
biased perceptions that
inherently mistrust machine
capabilities when compared to
human competence.”
For pilots, an existential crisis looms on the horizon as the cockpit
empties out. Their roles are undergoing inevitable transformation,
transitioning from aviators to instrumental operators overseeing
autonomous systems. Nevertheless, pilots are poised to remain
indispensable in mitigating operational risks and ensuring
passenger safety. They will serve as a vital component in a
complex safety system that will likely involve advanced AI
interventions for assistance.
As the pilot shortage looms large, exerting pressure on existing
commercial aviation operations, automation developments within
the eVTOL domain could potentially address the manpower
shortfall while simultaneously safeguarding pilots from burnout
resulting from overloaded flight schedules.
Trust emerges as the psychological linchpin in driving the
implementation of autonomous eVTOLs. Drawing from the realm
of self-driving cars, the concept of "trust in automation" becomes
equally relevant here. However, it is important to emphasize that
multiple levels of trust are at play in eVTOL operations. These
levels encompass trust and perceptions towards various aspects
of the eVTOL ecosystem, including trust in flight technology, trust
in automation and regulatory systems, and perceived trust in the
operator.
Perceived trust simultaneously includes people indirectly involved
within the ecosystem. The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) has conducted feasibility studies across Europe,
shedding light on the significance of considering concerns from
local residents and the broader public regarding their surrounding
environment. Factors such as noise levels in an increasingly
crowded airspace could potentially disrupt their way of life,
necessitating careful attention. According to EASA Executive
Director Patrick Ky, the agency’s first worldwide assessment
(Environmental Protection Technical Specifications) for regulating
noise levels to facilitate type certification of eVTOLs will become
a benchmark to both measure and limit aircraft noise emitted
during different stages of an eVTOL flight.
Building trust among users and operators hinges on perceiving
the autonomous ecosystem as reliable, transparent, and capable
of effectively handling unforeseen circumstances. Therefore,
operators must clearly communicate the capabilities of their
autonomous systems, providing substantial evidence of their
dependability. Business psychologist Prof. Dr. Patrick Planing
suggests that eVTOL companies should take a crucial step by
conducting additional pilot studies and test rounds, offering the
general public more exposure to the technology and opportunities
to witness or experience autonomous systems in close proximity.
Potential users could be afforded the chance to familiarize
themselves with autonomous eVTOLs in controlled and simulated
environments, potentially supported by virtual reality. This
approach would undoubtedly alleviate embedded concerns
and fears surrounding the flight experience. Through deeper
interaction with automation in action, perceptions of flying
autonomously can gradually change on a larger scale than
currently available.
As of the time of writing, the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has recently unveiled a blueprint outlining plans to initiate
small-scale air taxi operations utilizing existing infrastructure
and implementing gradual procedural changes in flight corridors
to accommodate the growing eVTOL traffic flowing in multiple
directions. Created collaboratively with industry stakeholders
and NASA, this blueprint aims to serve as a guideline to support
further research endeavors and steps towards implementation.
It also seeks to instill confidence among the general public by
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