On November 13, a new era of transportation took flight in the United States with the introduction of the Volocopter 2X electric air taxi. This innovative aircraft promises a stable, quiet, and smooth flying experience, ideal for short- to mid-range urban missions while producing zero emissions and minimal noise pollution.
As the landscape of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) evolves, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is proactively addressing potential challenges. NASA recently filed a notice for an Information Collection initiative to assess the impact of noise generated by a fleet of AAM and UAM vehicles on ground-level communities.
While AAM and UAM programs, including electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, are rapidly advancing, key engineering hurdles such as battery weight, safety approvals, and air traffic management still need to be overcome. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA have collaborated on the Urban Air Mobility Concept of Operations to establish guidelines for a seamless AAM transportation system.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency is also preparing for the integration of UAM aircraft, predicting their operation within the next 3-5 years. In light of these developments, NASA's focus on understanding human response to aircraft noise through the VANGARD test is timely.
The VANGARD test, utilizing NASA's Remote Psychoacoustic Test Platform, aims to gauge public perception of AAM and UAM vehicle noise in various geographic regions. By conducting online tests in urban and suburban areas, NASA seeks to determine the level of annoyance caused by aircraft noise and its correlation with different flight phases and proximity to flight operations.
Through this comprehensive study, NASA intends to gather valuable insights that could influence future regulatory policies related to aircraft noise. The public can provide feedback on the proposed test until May 14, 2024, highlighting NASA's commitment to ensuring a harmonious coexistence of advanced air mobility technologies with urban environments.
Historically, noise level testing has played a pivotal role in shaping aviation regulations, exemplified by the ban on supersonic flights over the U.S. mainland. As the skies prepare to welcome a new generation of aircraft, NASA's proactive approach underscores the importance of understanding and mitigating potential noise impacts on communities.
