Electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles envisioned above St. Petersburg as part of the new AAM initiative.
St. Petersburg has launched its first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Task Force aimed at integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) into urban travel. Over nine months, a diverse group of members will assess the city’s needs for eVTOL infrastructure, including potential vertiport locations and enhancements at Albert Whitted Airport. The task force aims to work closely with regional governments to ensure a smooth transition into this innovative era of air travel, keeping the community informed through regular updates.
St. Petersburg is soaring into the future! With the establishment of its very first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Task Force, the city is gearing up for the exciting integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, also known as eVTOLs. This isn’t just a captivating concept; it’s the next step for urban air travel that could change the way we navigate our bustling city!
The newly-formed task force has set an ambitious goal to dive deep into what St. Petersburg really needs when it comes to welcoming these futuristic flying vehicles. Over a period of nine months, at least ten members will gather periodically to brainstorm and lay out effective program recommendations that can make the dream of eVTOL mobility a reality. Leading the charge is Chris Ballestra, the managing director of development, who champions the city’s vision of becoming a “leading edge” player in the AAM industry.
The task force focuses on identifying the specific requirements needed for the successful operation of AAM technology in St. Petersburg. In recent discussions among city council members, it was noted that keeping pace with the swift advancements in AAM is crucial. Plans had previously been affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but now the city is ready to move forward.
The selection of task force members reflects a blend of skills and experiences. Among them are Ed Montanari, nominated by the mayor himself; Alison Barlow, who represents the St. Petersburg Innovation District; and Whit Blanton from the Forward Pinellas Planning Agency. The group also includes Jeff Brandes, a former state senator; and Walt Driggers, who collaborates on the Albert Whitted Airport Advisory Committee.
A significant focus for the task force will be exploring the role of Albert Whitted Airport as a potential testing ground for AAM trials. Key considerations include evaluating the location of nearby bridges, addressing costs tied to electrification upgrades, and determining the best size for a dedicated “vertiport”. Plus, they’ll have to think about how these changes might affect current airport operations.
In addition to the airport, the task force will scout for possible vertiport locations scattered throughout the city. They’ll examine factors like compatibility with existing neighborhoods, public accessibility, and how these new transportation hubs can be integrated with the city’s multi-modal transit systems. The considerations don’t stop there, as they will also dive into the necessary electrical infrastructure and look at financing models that could support this venture.
Throughout its nine-month journey, the task force will keep the community in the loop with quarterly updates. A lively debate among committee members has emerged on whether the task force should stick to presenting facts or if they should go a step further by offering official recommendations, which could complicate things due to Florida’s open government laws. As councilmember Gina Driscoll pointed out, having casual chats among task force members outside formal meetings could lead to greater innovation and more dynamic ideas.
The task force is also keen on working alongside regional governments and planning agencies to ensure a smooth transition into the era of advanced air mobility. With these exciting developments on the horizon, the momentum is building, and there’s a sense of eagerness in the air! Mayor Ken Welch is anticipated to finalize and present the list of task force nominees for a city council vote in February. St. Petersburg is ready to embrace the future, and the sky’s the limit!
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