Advancing Air Mobility in North Carolina: Insights from Our First Weather Workshop

We've all felt the effects of weather on our everyday lives. Whether it's planning a beach trip on a hot summer's day, bundling up during a cold winter snap, or rescheduling a picnic due to an unexpected downpour, weather greatly influences our decisions. Now, imagine the complexity of this relationship as it extends to aviation - where the stakes are considerably higher. That's precisely what we are delving into with our pioneering "North Carolina Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Weather Study."

Led by AeroX, the study aims to map the intricate dynamics of weather impacts on AAM, including drones, in North Carolina. Our goal is to understand better what weather data is available to operators, how it is being used, and, most importantly, identify any gaps that need to be addressed. This knowledge will help shape future capital investments in technology, such as sensors and software, that would enhance AAM operations throughout the state.

Our first AeroX Weather Workshop, held on February 22, 2023, brought together low-altitude airspace users, including AAM, drone, helicopter, and general aviation operators. This event comprised presentations, discussions, and interactive activities that shed light on the current state of low-altitude weather. The insights gained highlighted that operators across the industry face common weather challenges. These include gaps in observation networks, uncertain forecasts, and conditions like icing risk, high winds, low temperatures, and visibility issues. There is a demand for enhanced forecasts and improved accuracy to ensure safer and more efficient flights.

We were incredibly fortunate to have an impressive, diverse set of stakeholders contributing their unique expertise at our inaugural workshop. The event brought together representatives from AeroX, Aeris, Atrium Health , Climavision , Duke Energy Corporation , Federal Aviation Administration , Flytrex , Hovecon , MITRE , NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration , NCDOT , SafeHelipad , TruWeather Solutions , 美国联合包裹服务 Flight Forward, and Zipline . Each of these organizations enriched our discussions and yielded invaluable insights, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of our work and the importance of cross-sector engagement.

As we gear up for our second weather workshop in July, we see immediate opportunities for collaboration and improvements in low-altitude weather information. This includes enhanced data collection, improved modeling and forecasting, and stakeholder engagement. We recognize the need for higher-density weather measurements and strategically deployed sensors for comprehensive flight planning and decision-making. Enhanced accuracy and granularity in 12-24 hour forecasts can support better resource allocation. By deploying weather profile measurements and advanced modeling techniques, we can make significant strides. Continued engagement among aviation operators, weather providers, and regulatory agencies is a crucial part of this progress.

AeroX, with the support of the North Carolina General Assembly, is dedicated to building an AAM system in the state. We understand weather's pivotal role in shaping this system and, as AeroX President Basil Yap said, we are committed to being "ahead of the game."

We invite you to join us in this exciting journey towards advanced air mobility. For those interested, you can sign up for the second workshop and receive updates below. Together, we can enhance safety and efficiency in AAM operations in North Carolina, forging a path for a brighter future.