Crown has actively supported the UAS Center of ODOT since 2022. First, we led an Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) of AAM for the State of Ohio, The EIA gathered data on industry, technology, and assets to support AAM implementation in the state, identified research gaps to realizing an AAM market, and provided a realistic forecast of market potential, infrastructure investments, job creation, and tax income for the state. We also provided subject matter expertise in the development of a statewide AAM framework to support growth of AAM in the state.
Since successfully completing the EIA, we have been providing overall program and project management support for the UAS Center. The work entails direct program support to ODOT during execution of Advanced/Urban Air Mobility (A/UAM) related projects and demonstrations. The State of Ohio has developed a multiyear, multi-phase approach to demonstrate and advance integration of AAM with the construct of a multimodal transportation system, addressing considerations such as translating data on the use of highway and interstate corridors connecting urban centers into AAM routes into cities; multimodal connectivity; the location of AAM facilities in relation to development zones; parking; and development of AAM-generated trips involving other modes (transit, automobile, and truck traffic).
Crown has been supporting the state in the following distinct areas:
- Coordination of engagements between ODOT and federal agencies including NASA and FAA.
- Facilitation and coordination of communication between ODOT UAS Center leadership and the Integrated Project Teams that have been established by the State
- Provide Subject Matter Expertise and guidance for the AAM Strategy for the State and the development of budget advocacy
- Facilitation and coordination of public events for the education and advocacy of AAM
- On-call expertise to address the client’s evolving needs, delivering in-depth briefings, including systems, operator capabilities, and relevant regulatory frameworks
- Operational support including; FAA waiver and authorization request support, including BVLOS, Operations over Vehicles, controlled airspace operations, and Tethered Drone training relief
- End-to-end revision of Safety Management System, Training Manual, and SOPs
Benefit to ODOT: ODOT has been an active and important partners to NASAs’ community integration efforts. Our support has helped established strong connections between NASA and ODOT ensuring alignment of goals and objectives. Our SME support has helped guide the State of Ohio AAM strategy and the state has continuously been viewed as a National leader in the advancement of AAM.
Client
- Ohio Dept of Transportation, UAS Center