Next generation of aviation taking flight in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is creating an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) division to integrate advanced aviation technologies with transportation technologies on the ground.

“Our state boasts a robust advanced air mobility ecosystem of commercial industry, academia, research, and military assets, which is complemented by a strong leadership structure to drive long-term innovation,” said ODOT Director Pam Boratyn. “This addition signals Ohio’s commitment to remaining on the leading edge of aviation.”

Robert Tanner has been tapped to lead the AAM efforts.

A lawyer, he brings more than 30 years of expertise in transportation law and policy at federal, state, and local levels. In his most recent role at a technology research firm, he worked to help state and local governments align with federal regulations to plan for the safe integration of AAM into the National Airspace System.

ODOT’s AAM Division will be located at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) in Springfield with ODOT’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center. While UAS operations include drones and other autonomous systems deployed for data collection, the primary purpose of AAM is the transport of people and cargo, and the aircraft can be crewed or uncrewed, ODOT officials explained.

As Ohio strives to lead the nation in the development, manufacturing, and testing of advanced air mobility technology, Governor Mike DeWine’s executive budget proposes the creation and adoption of a statewide Advanced Air Mobility Strategy that will cement these technologies as a state priority and provide a vision for advanced air mobility and uncrewed aircraft system technologies, according to ODOT officials.

In his new role, Tanner will spearhead implementation of the state’s strategy, guide policy, oversee infrastructure investment, and continue support of advanced aircraft operations.

“What we’ve created in Ohio is a one-of-a-kind environment for next-generation research, design, validation, testing, and training related to aircraft development that you can’t find anywhere else in the nation,” said Ted Angel, Executive Director of NAAMCE. “Emerging aviation technology presents an enormous opportunity to improve how people live their lives now and in the future, and Ohio is primed to lead the way.”

To broaden its expertise, ODOT recently highlighted Ohio’s capabilities in its response to the FAA’s request for information on locations to establish the Center of Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT). This initiative, mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, authorizes $140 million to develop a national hub and demonstration zones for testing AAM and other emerging aviation technologies.

As the nation’s largest aerospace supplier, Ohio has the third largest manufacturing workforce in the U.S., research institutions, and dozens of higher education programs leading to aerospace careers, making it well-suited to host the center, according to ODOT officials.

“Furthermore, Ohio’s response proposed leveraging the state’s existing assets to save the FAA up to $53 million and allow operations to begin much quicker than would be possible with new construction,” officials noted.

“Co-locating the FAA’s Center for Advanced Aviation Technology at the newly built NAAMCE facility in Springfield will continue the momentum already underway in Ohio,” said Tanner. “ODOT, along with the Air Force Research Laboratory, developed technology that uses active radars to enable safe operation of uncrewed aircraft, so it makes sense to keep building on the expertise and initiatives currently taking place around the state.”

Initiatives across Ohio range from small package delivery, including medical packages, to larger cargo and passenger transport, implemented in phases. Four study zones across the state offer the opportunity to gather data from multiple uses in various settings and weather conditions, “setting Ohio apart from other states,” officials concluded.

For more information: Transportation.Ohio.gov