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Task force outlines timeline for advanced air mobility study, eyes Albert Whitted Airport for eVTOL operations
Summary
A city task force is studying eVTOLs and vertiports, focusing on education, safety, power and workforce development; the group expects to finish recommendations and a final report in January.
Saint Petersburg — The Advanced Air Mobility Task Force, led by former council member Ed DeMontanari, briefed council on its education‑first approach and next steps toward recommendations.
DeMontanari summarized the task force’s three‑phase plan: (1) education and expert briefings; (2) drafting recommendations (safety, noise, siting, power/charging infrastructure and workforce development); and (3) final report drafting. The task force has met since April and includes subject‑matter experts, city staff (airport manager, Rich Lesniak), and consultants. Presentations to date have covered airspace integration, vertiport siting (including compatibility questions at Albert Whitted Airport), power/supercharger requirements, and fire/rescue considerations.
The FAA and FDOT are active participants in the industry’s evolution; DeMontanari noted a recent presidential executive order and federal pilot project funding that could speed deployment. Councilmembers recommended the task force include explicit workforce development recommendations (training pipelines with local schools/colleges) and to explore partnership opportunities with Tampa International Airport and Hillsborough County stakeholders.
The task force anticipates finishing recommendations by January and will continue public engagement.
