Public acceptance of AAM is key to its successful integration into society. What does the public think of AAM, and what are the next steps?
In the pursuit of transforming West Virginia into a hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) development and deployment, it’s important to recognize the role that public trust plays. AAM represents a new era of transportation, so understanding and addressing communities’ concerns is paramount to integrating AAM services.
Before we can begin building public trust, we need to examine what factors hold the public back from accepting AAM.
What are the public’s concerns?
A recent study conducted by AirBus UTM helped shed light on public perceptions of AAM. Unsurprisingly, safety emerged as the primary concern. 55.6% of respondents stressed that the safety of the aircraft is most important. Additionally, noise-related issues, including the type (49.3%) and volume (48.8%) of sound generated by AAM aircraft, ranked high among community concerns.
Whisper Aero, one of Vertx Partners’ collaborators, focuses its work on this particular issue. Whisper boasts one of the quietest propulsion systems in the industry. For more information, listen in to this discussion between Whisper CEO Mark Moore and Vertx President Sean Frisbee.
Other factors, such as the time of day aircraft are flown (47.8%) and their altitude (47.8%), also weighed on public sentiment. However, it is noteworthy that despite these concerns, 44.5% of respondents expressed support or strong support for AAM. Additionally, 41.4% deemed it safe or very safe – a promising indication of initial public receptiveness.
How to build stronger trust
Recognizing the importance of fostering public trust, efforts must be made to engage and educate communities about AAM. Organizations like NASA have already put effort into assessing how AAM will benefit the public good. This effort, in turn, informs us how this good can enhance public trust. (For more information, please see this comprehensive Deloitte study produced by NASA.)
One avenue for achieving this is through comprehensive AAM education initiatives. By breaking down complex AAM topics into digestible information sources, such as the series of articles available on the Vertx Partners website, we empower individuals with the knowledge needed to understand the technology and its potential benefits.
Moreover, showcasing real-world use cases of AAM can help bridge the gap between concept and reality. News stories detailing how AAM can be utilized to deliver life-saving drugs, locate missing persons, and survey the environment in a minimally invasive manner serve to make AAM more approachable and relevant to everyday life.
However, perhaps the most impactful form of engagement comes through hands-on experiences. Initiatives like the mobile air traffic control unit developed by the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority allow community members to interact directly with AAM technology. By engaging individuals of all ages in controlled environments, educators help to dispel misconceptions. This effort also inspires future generations to embrace and innovate within the field of AAM.
Conclusion
The journey toward realizing AAM’s full potential in West Virginia — and beyond — rests on the foundation of building public trust and acceptance. By addressing community concerns, engaging in comprehensive education efforts, showcasing real-world applications, and providing hands-on experiences, we can pave the way for a future where AAM seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, driving progress and prosperity for all.
Vertx Partners is dedicated to outreach efforts in West Virginia. If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to Vertx Partners today.