UDOT unveils advanced air mobility plans with new vertiport designs and drone initiatives

The Joint Policy Advisory Committee (JPAAC) meeting held on March 13, 2025, in Wasatch County, Utah, focused on the state's advancements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Paul Damron, the Advanced Air Mobility Program Manager at the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Aeronautics, presented key developments and future plans for integrating AAM into Utah's transportation framework.

Damron highlighted the concept of AAM, which aims to transition from traditional combustion engines to electric aircraft for transporting people and goods. He emphasized the potential for creating a network of vertiports—modernized heliports designed for public use—to facilitate this new mode of transportation. Currently, Utah lacks public heliports, with existing facilities primarily serving private or medical purposes.

The discussion included the state's ongoing collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Damron noted that since 2014, UDOT has been utilizing drone technology for various applications, including road inspections and aerial imagery, which laid the groundwork for AAM initiatives.

Significant progress has been made in recent years, including the introduction of companies like Zipline, which previously operated in Utah to deliver medical supplies using drones. Although Zipline has since moved operations to Texas, its experience has informed Utah's approach to AAM. Damron mentioned that the state is working on legislation to support the registration and operation of advanced air mobility aircraft, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations.

The economic impact of AAM in Utah is projected to be substantial, with estimates suggesting the creation of 11,000 new jobs and $8 billion in business activity. Damron also discussed the establishment of working groups to address community outreach and local regulations, ensuring that stakeholders are engaged in the development of AAM.

Looking ahead, UDOT plans to continue its efforts in promoting AAM through public demonstrations and partnerships with industry leaders. The meeting underscored Utah's commitment to being at the forefront of this emerging transportation sector, with ongoing studies and collaborations aimed at shaping the future of air mobility in the state.