FLORIDA PLANNING A publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY - Winter 2024
florida.planning.org
Urban Air
The rapidly emerging Urban Air Mobility industry and technology is something planners need
Mobility:
A NEW FRONTIER FOR CITY AND REGIONAL PLANNERS By Randy Goers and Susan Swift, AICP
to watch closely as it poses both benefits and challenges for integration into the urban fabric and transportation systems of our communities. WHAT IS IT? Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is the use of small, automated aircraft to carry passengers or cargo at lower altitudes in urban and suburban areas. These aircraft use multiple electric-powered rotors or fans for lift and propulsion and include electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft (eVTOL) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They can be manned or unmanned (a/k/a drones) – and are far more agile and efficient than traditional helicopters. The future is here: In a groundbreaking event, Wisk Aero recently showcased the world’s first autonomous air taxi in a public demonstration flight, The upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics will further highlight this technology, with Volocopter set to provide air taxi services. A variety of passenger vehicles are being manufactured and vertiports are being designed, anticipated to have commercial passenger service operational within two years in twenty cities around the globe – including Miami. continued on page 4
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Interested in Serving on the APA Florida Executive Committee?
OTHER FEATURES President’s Message - p. 3 Executive Director Message - p. 17 APA Working for You - p. 18 Consultants Directory - p. 33 Events - back page
The Florida Chapter of APA provides statewide leadership in the development of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.