Advanced Air Mobility Experts Talk New Projects and Committee Involvement
Posted: September 24, 2024
Looking for ways to share your research on Advanced Air Mobility?
SAE International recently hosted “Unlocking the Skies: Expert Discussion and Authoring Tips for AAM Researchers.”
The digital event featured a Q+A with Boeing’s Andy Wallington and International Vehicle Research, Inc’s Johnny Doo.
Johnny brings more than 40 years of advanced air mobility industry experience to the discussion and Andy—recently nominated as an SAE Fellow at this year’s Aerotech—more than 30.
Andy shared his experience as a member of the SAE S-18 Aircraft and Systems Development and Safety Assessment Committee, as well as insights behind the new AIR7121 document. This work-in-progress aims to test the applicability of ARP4754 & ARP4761—commonly known as the “Foundations of Aircraft Systems and Safety Standards.”
“I’ve been on the committee for over 20 years, and most of that time has been spent working on these foundational documents,” Andy said.
Andy further described the six main challenges in unmanned air safety and how ARP7121 helps identify them:
- Definition
- Contingency Management
- Assessment Scope
- Product Safety Assessment
- Product Acceptance and Validation
- Verification for Implementations with New Sensitivities
Andy also produced a focus issue for the SAE International Journal of Aerospace titled Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Autonomy. He described it as a “great success” to be able to get involved with SAE’s Journals.
“I’ve been a member of SAE for 25 years, and I feel really proud to be a part of the team. I would actively encourage anyone who might even be a little interested to look into it,” Andy said.
Johnny echoed this sentiment as he discussed how robust safety procedures have led to the scalable development of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircrafts. His series of SAE Edge Research Reports show the various ways that eVTOL aircrafts can be utilized by first responders, firefighters and law enforcement.
He emphasized the unique position SAE has given him to raise awareness about this developing application of new technology.
“Each specific use case comes with its own report, and this lets us explore challenges and opportunities more deeply. It’s been very meaningful—and fun—to examine how the industry needs to work to enable these new capabilities,” Johnny said.
Watch the live recording to hear more insights from these experts, and stay updated on advanced air mobility developments with the SAE International Journal of Aerospace.
To publish with SAE, visit our author resource page.