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Bypassing congested roads, Urban Air Mobility can significantly reduce traffic jams, saving time and money for commuters and businesses. By Partha Pratim Ray The ‘Urban Air Mobility’ (UAM) envisions a network of ‘Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing’ (eVTOL) aircraft, buzzing like metallic bees across the urban sky bypassing the urban chaos like the rhythmic honking of horns, the endless crawl of brake lights and the suffocating air altogether by soaring above the gridlock in sleek, silent flying taxis. These compact, multi-rotor vehicles which can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for runways and offering point-to-point transportation on demand is the audacious vision of ‘UAM’, a revolution with unlimited possibilities poised to transform our cities in India. Redefining Accessibility ‘UAM’ can redefine accessibility by bypassing congested roads thus saving everyone’s time and money as the ‘eVTOLs’ can land on rooftops, in parks, or even in remote villages, connecting far-flung communities. Electric propulsion makes ‘UAM’ a sustainable alternative, reducing air and noise pollution, and contributing to cleaner, healthier cities and boosting India’s economic growth. In India’s vast and diverse landscape, timely medical access can be a life-or-death gamble. ‘UAM’ holds immense promise to revolutionize medical transport, particularly for emergency response and critical care. This could dramatically improve survival rates for heart attack victims, stroke patients, and those suffering from time-sensitive medical conditions. ‘UAM’ can also provide crucial logistical support, transporting organs for transplants and medical supplies to underserved regions. ‘UAM’ also has the potential to transform India’s tourism landscape. Tourists could access remote landmarks, explore hidden gems from the sky, and enjoy personalized, point-to-point travel within cities thus promoting sustainable tourism practices. Challenges ‘eVTOL’ technology is still evolving and critical challenges like battery range, safety regulations, and noise control demand research and development. In addition to this, building a network of ‘Vertiports’ i.e. the landing and take-off infrastructure requires significant investments and planning, integrating seamlessly with existing transportation systems. Further to this, concerns about noise, safety, and privacy need to be addressed through public engagement. A Regulatory Framework for ‘UAM’ Recognizing ‘UAM’s transformative potential, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), G.O.I. established the UAM Expert Committee comprising eminent experts from diverse fields, including aviation, technology, urban planning, law, and safety in August 2023. The ‘UAM’ Expert Committee’s mandate was to develop a regulatory framework that includes drafting regulations for ‘eVTOL’ operations, ‘vertiport’ infrastructure, air traffic management, and safety standards.The Committee has already released a draft policy framework in October 2023, outlining the regulatory framework, licensing procedures, and safety standards for ‘UAM’ operations in India. This framework is open for public feedback and is expected to be finalized soon. The committee is actively engaging with the state governments to identify potential pilot projects and test beds for ‘UAM’ technology.   International UAM Projects and Lessons Learned Globally,‘EHang’, a company in China completed over 10,000 test flights and partnered with cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen to establish pilot programs for UAM taxi services. Another example can be of ‘Volocopter’ which made significant progress with its ‘VoloCity’‘ eVTOL’ aircraft by conducting public test flights in Dubai and Singapore with a target of launching commercially in 2024. Similarly, Joby Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft, the Joby S4 have secured major funding from Toyota and are partnering with Uber to develop an aerial ride-sharing network. These promising developments globally, show us that the UAM projects need to address public concerns about noise, safety, and privacy to gain widespread acceptance. At the same time, clear and comprehensive regulations are needed to ensure the safe and responsible operation of UAM vehicles. Fostering the Ecosystem The Government of India is actively fostering this ecosystem, providing grants, collaborating on research projects, and creating test beds for ‘eVTOL’ development. Additionally, private investments are pouring in, with companies like ‘Mahindra Aerospace’ and ‘SpiceJet’ partnering with international players like ‘The Boeing Company’, an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells aeroplanes, rotorcraft, etc.) and ‘Airbus’, a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services to develop ‘UAM’ solutions for the Indian market. Indian startups like ‘ePlane’, ‘Vaayu’, and ‘AlphaZero’ are developing ‘eVTOLs’ tailored to India’s unique needs. ‘ePlane’ focuses on short-haul urban transportation, while ‘Vaayu’ designs ‘eVTOLs’ for medical emergencies and disaster relief, showcasing the versatility of the technology. The Road Ahead The ‘UAM’ Expert Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of ‘UAM’ in India. By working closely with stakeholders, addressing challenges, and fostering innovation, the committee can ensure that India becomes a leader in this emerging field. The success of ‘UAM’ in India will not only revolutionize urban transportation but also create new jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens. (The writer is a senior Journalist and a research fellow for leading environmental organizations. He manages contents and brands with 19 years of hands-on experience. views expressed are personal.)

Jaideep Mirchandani, the Group Chairman of the UAE-based Aviation conglomerate Sky One FZE outlines the elements that will make aviation seamlessly efficient and safer in the more years to come. On December 17, 2023, we will mark the 120th anniversary of the historic moment when Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first powered airplane flight with the Wright Flyer. Since that pivotal event in 1903, the commercial aviation sector has undergone a remarkable evolution, expanding in various dimensions. The shift from five-person crews (two pilots, a flight engineer, a radio operator, and a navigator) in the 1950s to just two pilots and more streamlined aircraft with state-of-the-art engines are among the pivotal factors that have shaped the aviation landscape. Beyond the Jet Age, developments such as the creation of supersonic passenger aircraft and the emergence of Boeing as a prominent civilian manufacturer with its renowned 737 MAX, alongside Airbus and its famous A320 family, also marked significant changes. Today, global aviation finds itself at a juncture where the convergence of human expertise and technology is profoundly influencing its trajectory. With the evolution of each new generation of aircraft, the flight deck has become increasingly technologically advanced, enabling pilots to delegate flying tasks to automated systems and concentrate their attention on vital aspects such as navigation, air traffic management, and monitoring aircraft status. The integration of further technological advancements is poised to bring about a dramatic transformation in the role of pilots within the next 10 to 15 years, as highlighted by American firm Oliver Wyman in its study. This transformation is supported by insights from Geoff Murray, a former airline pilot and active flight instructor. He foresees substantial enhancements to modern cockpits, including the incorporation of multi-touchscreen capabilities, the implementation of synthetic vision technology to enhance situational awareness, and the introduction of 3D modelling to provide a more comprehensive representation of the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the adoption of wearable avionics, including head-mounted displays, already in use in military aviation, is also anticipated. The industry will also need more aviation talent. According to the Aviation Talent Forecast 2023 from Canadian flight training company CAE Inc., the aviation industry will require a total of 2,80,000 new pilots over the next decade. The Asia Pacific region alone will have a demand for 91,000 commercial pilots, while North America will need 63,000 for commercial services. The statistics also underscore the need for a talent pool of future pilots who can readily embrace and adapt to new technologies. Their training should also be aligned with futuristic technology and connectivity-based tools in the cockpit. Future of Aviation So what does the future of aviation look like? Will it be defined by single-pilot operations (SPO) assisted by smart onboard automation and ground operators? Many experts hold the opinion that the adoption of SPO and autonomous flying could potentially have a negative impact on the demand for pilots. Nevertheless, I contend that a widespread shift toward single-pilot operations is likely to be a gradual process. Similarly, the integration of self-flying planes will also require a measured approach. Regulatory considerations, safety aspects, the establishment of a unified data connectivity system, labor negotiations, and cybersecurity enhancements are among the key factors that must be addressed before such a transition can be realized. And what part will Artificial Intelligence (AI) play in this scenario? A study from UK-based Technavio, says that the use of AI in the aviation market is projected to experience substantial growth, with an estimated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 43.13 percent between 2022 and 2027. The forecast indicates an increase in market size by USD 3,642.91 million. AI tools can play a major role in the aviation industry by assisting airlines in scheduling, route optimization, and improved crew management. On the logistical front, AI can be deployed for supply chain management, inventory enhancement, and cargo monitoring. Virtual assistant tools contribute to more personalized passenger experiences. Additionally, AI contributes to safety and security enhancements by monitoring and analyzing data from security cameras and sensors to bolster safety and security measures. The Generative AI tools also have the potential to assist in improved aircraft design and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO. Predictive maintenance, identifying recurring defects in the aircraft, rapid data collection and assessment, and even the use of robots to inspect components are all possible with the help of this technology. As for the primary challenges that warrant attention, data safety emerges as a major concern. AI tools rely heavily on extensive datasets of impeccable quality to generate precise outcomes. Within the aviation sector, acquiring such data can prove to be demanding due to ethical considerations, encompassing apprehensions related to data privacy, bias, and potential job displacement as well as automation bias (excessive reliance on automated aids and decision support systems). Moreover, air traffic control and aircraft maintenance systems represent highly intricate infrastructures. The integration of AI tools into these systems must be executed with meticulous care to preserve their inherent attributes, including compatibility, security, and reliability. The integration of rapid automation poses a challenge for policymakers in terms of establishing suitable regulations for these emerging technologies and determining the extent of their oversight. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when dealing with technologies like AI, given its continuously evolving nature. Therefore, it is vital to strike a balance between the application of technical tools and the effective management of associated challenges. Implementing the technology in a manner that prioritizes safety, ethical use, responsibility, and the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework that effectively addresses the multifaceted aspects of AI are essential to ensure that it provides a net benefit to the aviation sector. And what about the human factor in aviation? The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has already emphasized the need for a more human-centric approach to AI in aviation. According to expert studies, it is not plausible to assert that automation will entirely replace human operations in the aviation sector, at least not in the next one or two decades. For instance,

Satirical title of this write-up is an obvious intended inference. The wide perception that flight under VFR is easy even by a few pilots is intriguing. Minimal institutional assistance extended to VFR flying validates the argument. Lengthening list of repeated CFIT cases however sufficiently and accurately establishes fallacy of ‘Easy VFR’ conjecture. By Capt Peeush Kumar Visual Flight Rules (VFR) defines boundaries of operation through meteorological conditions of visibility and cloud, ambient light, speeds and altitudes. Compliance to rules is legally binding and facilitates safe aircraft control and navigation solely by visual cues. Unlike for flights under IFR (Instrument Flying Rules), the aviation ecosystem effectively relies on one/two minds working under VFR for responsibilities of traffic, weather and terrain avoidance. Systemic support to aircrafts under IFR on the other hand, is a collective effort by pilots, air traffic controllers and technology. Helicopters under VFR do not enjoy aforesaid institutionalised support. In this perspective, helicopter operations under VFR are outliers. Operations under IFR and under VFR are mutually exclusive; only one could be present. Flying under VFR in IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) is both unsafe and illegal. Regulators cannot have monitoring capabilities to enforce this real-world paradox outweighed by commercial imperatives. Stakes for a pilot are intense in the emerging complex picture. In context of business strategy, end-user impression is a potent element to augment or strangulate a service. Connecting dots adequately populate Indian Helicopter industry’s picture. Unfortunate fatal accident (Dec 2021) involving India’s first CDS (Chief of Defence Staff), offshore CFIT case of S-76D helicopter (Jun 2022) operated by ‘Pawan Hans Limited’, and Kedarnath area helicopter crash of Oct 2022 have influenced potential commuters in an undesirable way. Challenges of VFR Flying Flying under VFR is tricky. It involves all of pilots’ skill, awareness, decision-making capabilities and preparation to complete a flight safely. VFR flying is indeed simpler for spatial orientation and visual navigation provided VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) exists. Real world albeit seldom offers this and puts to test a pilots’ skillsets and foresight.Weather consequent collisions with terrain/water/obstacles by airworthy helicopters is an endorsement of perpetual precarious zones under VFR.Single-pilot operations under VFR have additional latent fatigue factor routinely balanced with commercial obligations. Fatigue can contribute to errors of channelised attention, poor judgement, slowed reaction time, inattention and ease of distractions. Nevertheless, this discussion is about making most of available resources, training and environmental offerings to keep safe and help business. Business does not necessarily relate to civil flights here, rather is indicative of deliverables in military realm wherever relevant.The idea of growth relates to confidence and reliability perceived by commuters.Indian helicopter industry has an imposing percentage of armed forces veteran pilots with substantial flight experience under VFR. Learnings from military flying are in ‘Gold’ but need perpetual polishing and adaptations to stay relevant. Flight preparation with considerations of airspace, fuel, PNR (Point of No Return), in-flight decision points and ‘abort’ thresholds play pivotal role for safety. Acceptance that merely something is visible outside cockpit does not mean VMC and remains fundamental to safety under VFR. Either way, being in clouds without sight of surface isn’t the sole definition of IMC. VMC is the minimum regulatory mandate to control an aircraft via visual references.Reduced visibility when below minimum VMC even when in sight of ground is IMC. Responsibility of VFR compliance effectively lands solely on pilots. Two factors must be at the helm of pilots’ decision-making– Pilots’ individual boundaries and Helicopter’s operational envelope. Respect both. Class ‘G’  Airspace  A reasonable percentage of helicopter related CFIT cases occur in Class ‘G’ airspace where most helicopter operators earn revenue. Unfortunately, a reliable,relevant weather picture or forecast isn’t available in this airspace in India. ‘Flight information’ services if available, are rare and ‘Flight Following’ service non-existent.Regulations (AIP India – ENR 1.2) mandate flights under VFR in Class ‘G’ airspace to remain clear of clouds, with surface in sight or maintain 1500 m horizontal and 300m vertical separation from clouds depending on altitude. Five (05) km visibility criteria below 10,000 ft altitude are regulated. In absence of weather-related inputs,cloud avoidance is a reactionary procedure for pilots riddled with high upset probability. Unless sparsely present, cloud avoidance tests experience and luck of pilots to keep ‘return back/abort’ option open.Else, ensuing precautionary landings are a saviour and have been encouraged by DGCA vide Air Safety Circular 09/2013. Related to cloud separation, consider distance estimation when stationary on a known land mass.It would be convenient to use available landmarks as ‘scale/graduations’ for a reasonable distance estimate. These critical reference points are however absent when estimating clearance from clouds in flight. Obscurity with moving clouds demand challenging distance estimation skills from pilots. Unpleasant,large errors can quickly put them in a spot. Cloud edges help but would be missing when needed. ‘Vanishing landmarks’ are late indicators of deteriorating in-flight visibility, albeit still helpful to invoke alternate/contingency plans. Misjudging inter-se distance from clouds or encountering embedded clouds in fog is a UIMC (Unintended IMC) hazard and catastrophic if covering terrain. If practical, maintain maximum clearance and trigger ‘return back/abort’ procedures when approaching a pre-decided criterion. Speed reduction is helpful to gain response/manoeuvring time. Visibility dropping situations must be anticipated and mitigated with pre-decided thresholds. If a risk assessed escape plan is not duplicated during flight, cockpit discomfort may quickly rise to dangerous levels. In a multi-crew cockpit, contingency plan must be briefed pre-flight. Operational and commercial pressures converge solely on pilots. Victimisation, if called out by pilots shall be an excuse and must be avoided. Professional maturity and experience should assista balanced decision-making process. Poor aeronautical decisions and intentional disregard to regulations have serious consequences. Pilots must factor that any in-flight irrecoverable situation would endanger lives of most aircraft occupants. Deliberating post-flight on portion(s) of flight that raised cockpit discomfort, and remedial measures thereof is a healthy practice at local levels. Mitigating hazards of weather, terrain and operational pressures are institutional compulsions for safety while maintaining relevance to commercial priorities. For start, Indian ANSP (Air Navigation Service Provider