DOTD seeks consultant for statewide Advanced Air Mobility strategic plan; committee to pursue 'Future of Aviation Day' and workforce partnerships

DOTD staff told the Louisiana Advanced Aviation and Drone Advisory Committee the department has advertised a contract to develop a statewide Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) strategic plan and will include economic impact analysis, corridor identification, public engagement and a webinar series. Committee members also discussed organizing a public “Future of Aviation Day” to educate legislators, students and the public about emerging aviation technologies and workforce opportunities.

A DOTD representative said the strategic plan will begin with a SWOT analysis for the state, examine heliport and airport infrastructure needs, consider possible air‑route corridors, and include social media and public‑education elements. The request will also include grant‑writing support to pursue federal funding for infrastructure projects.

Committee members suggested the Future of Aviation Day should be co‑hosted with industry and education partners, include demonstrations (aircraft and chargers), and provide pathways information for high‑school and community‑college students. Several members cited existing programs to build on, including the VAI rotor pathway program and AOPA high‑school curricula that other states have used to create aviation pipelines.

Public commenters urged the committee to track parallel federal rulemaking. Travis Moran of CERC Reliability Corporation alerted members to an anticipated FAA notice of proposed rulemaking under the FAA Extension, Safety and Security Act (section 2209 referenced in public comment), which could include permanent unmanned aircraft flight restriction (UAFR) mechanisms for critical infrastructure and will have a public comment period. Moran urged the committee to review and respond when the NPRM appears.

The committee also heard support remarks from airport planners and operators who said AAM infrastructure and workforce planning could produce long‑term economic benefits. Chris Grow, an airport planner with Cutchens & Grow, told the panel the state should use a Future of Aviation Day to take the case to the Capitol and to other agencies (agriculture, energy) that intersect with aviation.

Quorum and next steps: Committee leadership said the meeting lost a quorum late in the session, so members agreed to continue planning by email and bring any formal motions to the next meeting for a vote. Chair DePree said DOTD will keep the consultant procurement and the Future of Aviation Day on the committee’s agenda and invited members to respond to an upcoming planning email.

Ending: The committee concluded with a pledge to coordinate DOTD strategic planning, industry demonstrations, and workforce partnerships; a formal vote to adopt specific event plans or to allocate resources was deferred until a future meeting where quorum is present.