When it comes to developing and implementing digital flight operations required for both crewed and autonomous advanced air mobility (AAM) operations, the aviation industry should avoid a repeat of the 5G C-band radio altimeter interference debacle. In a recent webinar organized by the Helicopter Association International, RTCA CEO Terry McVenes stated that the ongoing controversy over 5G implementation has provided a lot of lessons learned, among them that aviation cannot operate in isolation anymore. 

‍

McVenes said that enhanced communication between disparate aircraft and their systems necessitated planning for things "beyond just traditional aviation." Getting our industries working together during the development phase, not the implementation phase, is crucial if we want to avoid what we experienced with 5G. It has been too long since 5G was introduced. Everyone effectively followed their own path. The genie has been released and we're trying to put it back in the bottle."

‍

To accommodate AAM, McVenes warns that time is running out to develop and implement digital air traffic control technology. 

‍

“We don't seem to be talking much about how we're going to integrate [AAM vehicles] into the [National Airspace System]. A growing number of users will want access. We must figure out how to make that happen."

‍