The integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) operations (air taxis and urban air transport) into the national airspace system (NAS) presents unique challenges, particularly in weather monitoring and forecasting. A panel of experts from NASA, the FAA, and private industry convened at SAE Media Group’s inaugural eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) Technology USA conference discussed the current state of weather-focused efforts and their potential impact on eVTOL operations. The panelists highlighted the critical need for more precise and localized weather data to support the safe and efficient operation of these new aircraft – and what they are doing to fulfill that need in support of the AAM industry.
Overcoming Weather Challenges for Safe and Efficient Urban Air Mobility Operations
The aviation industry faces critical challenges as it prepares for AAM and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations. Current weather systems remain largely unchanged since the 1940s. This outdated infrastructure is particularly problematic for AAM operations, which require more detailed and localized weather data than traditional aviation.
The significant gaps in current weather monitoring includes the lack of comprehensive data at lower altitudes. According to Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather Solutions, approximately 97% of the country lacks measurements below 5,000 feet. Ceiling, visibility and wind data is generally collected at airports. This limitation poses a substantial hurdle for air taxis and other AAM vehicles, which will operate primarily at lower altitudes at a wide variety of locations, from urban city centers to remote rural areas.
The need for more granular and real-time accurate low-altitude weather information remains crucial for the safety and efficiency of these new air mobility solutions; without it, AAM operators will likely face challenges. Berchoff stressed this critical need, particularly in urban environments. “We don’t have measurements around buildings. We don’t know what the winds are doing around those buildings,” he explained.
Predicting and managing turbulence in urban environments presents additional challenges.”The wind patterns around buildings and other urban structures are far more complex than what we typically deal with in traditional aviation,” Berchoff said. ”We need to develop better tools to understand and predict these patterns to ensure safe and efficient eVTOL operations.” Addressing these weather-related challenges, through real data and analytics, remains crucial to safe and reliable operations.
The Economic Consequences of Weather Uncertainty on Business and Industry
Failing to address these challenges will result in a “Weather Tax™”. Berchoff coined (and trademarked) this term, which refers to the financial burden imposed on business operations due to weather-related uncertainties. He explained, “The Weather Tax™ is the price Mother Nature imposes on your business, both real or perceived.” The cost stems from unnecessary groundings caused by inaccurate or overly conservative weather forecasts. These missed opportunities could lead to significant revenue losses for air taxi operators.
Improving weather data collection and forecasting capabilities could dramatically reduce this economic burden. By providing more accurate and localized weather information, companies could optimize their flight schedules and reduce weather-related cancellations. Berchoff believes that investments in advanced weather monitoring and prediction technologies could yield substantial returns by minimizing the impact of the “Weather Tax™” on operational efficiency and profitability. This also requires revisiting current procedures and standards. The feds have been leaning forward to do just that.
FAA Initiatives to Enhance Third-Party Weather Services for Aviation Safety
To enhance weather data availability for AAM operations, Michelle Whitcher, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Third-Party Weather Provider Program Manager, revealed that her agency is developing a qualification process for non-federal weather providers to fill these critical meteorological data gaps. “We’re creating policies and procedures to enable non-federal third-party weather providers to supplement essential weather information for flights originating outside of airports,” Whitcher explained.
Specifically, the FAA plans to utilize the new weather standard from the ASTM-38 working group and codify it into an Advisory Circular (AC) In the meantime, Whitcher and her team utilize it to evaluate Near Term Approval Process (NTAP) applications for supplemental weather services. The FAA anticipates full implementation by fiscal year 2028 or 2029. “We’re working on certification processes that maintain safety standards while remaining flexible enough to incorporate emerging technologies,” she said.
Whitcher emphasized the critical role of industry collaboration in this endeavor. Private sector resources and expertise will be required to achieve comprehensive weather coverage for AAM operations. TruWeather has been leading public-private efforts to develop weather sensor networks and new prediction models across the nation.
These developments mark a significant shift in aviation weather services. They should pave the way for more reliable and extensive meteorological data to support air taxis, general aviation and potentially other sectors as well.
NASA’s Pioneering Contributions to Weather Technology Advancement
NASA also continues ramping up efforts to enhance weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities for the emerging air taxi industry. Nancy Mendonca from NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility Mission Integration Office revealed that the agency has developed high-resolution weather data testbeds tailored specifically for UAM operations.
NASA’s test beds include locations at Hampton Roads, Fort Worth and Hollister and each has a slightly different focus. For example, the agency designed the Hollister testbed to specifically focus on UAM. “We’re starting to look at planning how we can do a testbed in Hollister and start looking at the passenger carrying vehicles, what they need and what the operators want to have weather information-wise,” she explained.
In parallel, NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funds innovation in weather sensor technology at these sites. Mendonca said the agency is exploring new multi-function sensors that could provide multiple data points from a single device for more cost-effective and efficient weather monitoring system. TruWeather has received SBIR awards affiliated with these efforts, across all three testbed locations.
NASA is also collaborating with universities and industry partners to develop advanced computational fluid dynamics models capable of accurately predicting turbulence in complex urban environments through its urban air mobility research programs. All of efforts are crucial for the future of UAM.
Revolutionizing Weather Data Services: The Future for Advanced Air Transportation and Society
The multi-faceted potential of sophisticated weather monitoring infrastructure and advanced weather data services can expand far beyond the aviation industry. ”The uses for high-resolution weather data are virtually limitless,” Mendonca explained. “We’re looking at applications that could benefit everything from urban planning to emergency services.” NASA is exploring how urban planners and policymakers can corporate advanced weather monitoring systems into uses ranging from smart city initiatives, weather-related disaster response, emergency response and energy distribution optimization. This broadening scope of weather data utilization opens up new avenues for collaboration between government agencies, private companies and local communities. Leveraging weather infrastructure for multiple purposes could not only provide valuable services to the public but also help fund the expansion of weather monitoring networks.
In the meantime, government agencies, private companies and research institutions are increasingly coordinating to develop advanced weather systems for air taxis and other UAM vehicles. The FAA is adapting its regulatory framework to accommodate third-party weather providers. NASA is forging a path for deployment through its research projects and awards. TruWeather continues exploring new technologies to provide the high-resolution weather information required for low-altitude urban flights. Its efforts include the deployment of advanced sensors, improved modeling techniques and the integration of machine learning to process vast amounts of meteorological data in real-time.
The integration of advanced weather data services stands poised to transform not only the aviation industry but also a wide range of sectors and public services across the social fabric. Berchoff summed it up best, ”With more accurate and localized weather data, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible for AAM – and beyond.”