NASA is working on a groundbreaking project to introduce remotely piloted cargo planes and air taxis into the national airspace.
These new aircraft could revolutionize transportation by making air cargo deliveries and air travel more affordable, efficient, and accessible for communities across the country.
The Pathfinding for Airspace with Autonomous Vehicles (PAAV) subproject is exploring ways to safely integrate these advanced aircraft into airspace alongside traditional piloted planes.
If successful, this technology could transform industries, from medical supply deliveries to passenger transportation.
Why do we need remote air travel?
The demand for air cargo is growing rapidly and is expected to keep increasing through 2044, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, the aviation industry faces a pilot shortage due to early retirements and workforce reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One possible solution is for a single pilot to remotely manage multiple aircraft from the ground. This would:
Increase daily cargo deliveries to meet rising demand.
Lower costs for airlines and customers.
Reduce traffic congestion by providing air taxis as an alternative to crowded roads.
Challenges in remote flight operations
For air taxis and remotely piloted cargo planes to become a reality, NASA and its industry partners must overcome several technical challenges to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Airspace Integration
These new aircraft must be able to fly safely alongside traditional piloted planes. NASA is working on advanced automation and air traffic control systems to ensure smooth airspace management. - Communication and Control
Unlike traditional pilots who sit inside the cockpit, remote pilots will operate aircraft from the ground. They need strong communication links to send and receive flight instructions. If communication is lost, an autonomous system must take over to ensure a safe landing. - Detecting and Avoiding Other Aircraft
Pilots in traditional planes rely on their own vision to avoid other aircraft. Since remote pilots do not have this direct view, electronic “detect and avoid” systems must be developed. These systems will use sensors, algorithms, and surveillance data to monitor air traffic and avoid collisions.
How NASA is addressing these challenges
To bring these innovations to reality, NASA researchers are working with commercial partners to test new technologies and airspace procedures.
Some key advancements include:
Automated Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing – These systems will help remote aircraft move safely on the ground and in the air at busy airports.
Hazard Detection Technology – This allows aircraft to identify and respond to obstacles automatically, reducing the need for immediate human intervention.
Advanced Air Traffic Management – New systems will help remote aircraft integrate smoothly into air traffic, even at airports without control towers.
NASA’s goal is to develop technical standards and safety regulations that will allow remote aircraft to become a part of everyday air travel.
If successful, this technology could:
Enable a single pilot to manage multiple aircraft at once.
Reduce operational costs for airlines and delivery companies.
Expand air travel and cargo services to remote communities.
Help create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable air transportation system.
With continued research and industry collaboration, remotely piloted aircraft could soon take to the skies, transforming the way we transport people and goods.
Source: NASA.
