Burns Explores Airport Security Impacts of Urban Air Mobility

Recent advances in short-range, battery-powered aerial craft technology will soon open airways for safe, efficient transfer of passengers and cargo.

To better prepare for the potential impact manned or autonomous systems may have on airport security operations, Burns will coordinate with industry leaders and key airport stakeholders to develop an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) security roadmap. The forthcoming security gap assessment, guidance document, and other planning tools will ultimately help airports minimize day-to-day impacts on operational systems, costs and safety as the industry navigates the rapidly advancing UAM market.

Supporting the National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies), Burns will lead research and development on the report, Security Considerations for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Operations at Airports, through the Safe Skies’ Program for Applied Research in Airport Security (PARAS).

Drawing upon our experience in aviation security, fleet electrification and technology special systems, Burns will assemble a team of experts and advisors to assist airports in positioning themselves to effectively prepare for integration of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft into existing transportation and airport networks and operations.

The Burns-led research team includes industry experts in UAM, airport security operations, and aviation regulation: Crown Consulting, Inc., Quantitative Scientific Solutions (QS-2), and M. Freadman Consulting, LLC . The guidance is scheduled for release in 2022.

Image credit: NASA