AAM needs to build a robust safety culture where data drives learning. Moreover, AAM technology should be available immediately to public safety agencies in order to expedite response time and thereby save more lives. Brilliant scientists and aerospace engineers have mastered the physics for practical application but each day that passes without access due to regulatory red tape, we lose people unnecessarily. We are leading the effort to promote Drones as First Responder (DFR) programs as well as eVTOL as Air Medical Service (eAMS) programs through the AAM Public Safety Cooperative. To identify safety trends and allow operators to report on an anonymous non-attribution basis, we are compiling the Global Safety Database (GSD).
The Global Safety Database (GSD) is designed to empower decision-makers with the data necessary to make meaningful impact in the the Advanced Air Mobility industry. The GSD supports the highest levels of operational safety through safety data, expertise, and collaboration as the global leading repository for advanced aviation analysis.
The AAM ecosystem faces a number of challenges: lack of historical safety data, no reporting culture, no centralization of new safety data, and no analysis & meaningful outcomes for industry collaboration. The FAA and civil aviation authorities around the world are under immense pressure to integrate UAS and eVTOL aircraft into their respective airspace systems quickly but while still ensuring safety. OEMs are relying on law firms to gain approvals but the industry needs true safety experts.
According to the FAA Vice President of Flight Program Operations, "There is a great need for a Safety Ombudsman to help bridge the gap" between operators and regulators. The GSD will serve this great need with Care, Integrity, and Knowledge. We will capture, centralize, and analyze aviation safety data for the broadest public benefit. In the interest of gauging 'willingness to fly' and providing the public with a means to voice their opinions on AAM, we are launching the Public Trust Initiative (PTI) as a free mobile app.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technology aka drones can be immensely beneficial in support of the public safety mission. DFR programs help first responder agencies to gain situational awareness quickly so that police and firefighters can more effectively protect communities.
Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles are much cheaper and more sustainable than conventional helicopters. Utilizing eAMS as a new form of MedEvac can allow EMTs to dispatch to more accidents, recover more victims, and give emergency room doctors the chance to save more lives.
The AAM Public Safety Cooperative (APSCoop) is a collaboration among public safety agencies (including all first responders among police, firefighters, EMTs, and humanitarian disaster relief specialists) to share best practices, brainstorm new innovative uses of AAM technology, and maintain accountability to avoid alienating the communities they serve by excessive surveillance.
Please reach out on our Contact page to explore opportunities to work together!