Drivers, enablers and dependencies

AAM has the potential to improve:

  • transport accessibility
  • sustainability and mobility
  • the environment, through the development of
    • aircraft and systems with lower carbon and particulate emissions
    • quieter aircraft
  • quality of life, safety, and security of citizens.

The government’s AAM strategy shows how the AAM ecosystem connects beyond just aircraft and technologies. This ecosystem will work to build the sector towards improved environmental and economic sustainability. It also supports local capabilities, manufacturing, the use of renewable energy, and economic growth, aligning with broader government goals. In short, AAM aims to improve logistics and lower costs for all Australians.

There are several government initiatives that support the growing RPAS and AAM sectors. Our main role is to create regulatory frameworks and processes that safely integrate emerging technologies into Australian aviation. We need to collaborate to achieve these benefits and work with other agencies to support related roadmap activities led by others. For example, the:

  • DITRDCA is developing the overarching policy on UTM.
  • Department of Home Affairs leads cybersecurity policy, and we work with them to understand and mitigate RPAS and AAM cybersecurity risks.
  • Airservices Australia (Airservices) manage and operate the Flight Information Management System (FIMS). DITRDCA leads the development of UTM-wide policy, of which FIMS is a component, and we offer regulatory review services to support its development and implementation.

Figure 3 gives an overview of policies and initiatives related to this Roadmap that are led by others, and our involvement in each.

Enlarge image
A chart displaying CASA's role in initiatives that flow out of the Aviation White Paper and ICAO
Figure 3 - CASA’s role in cross-government initiatives related to the roadmap

Figure 3 shows the interdependencies across the AAM and RPAS sectors. This extends to the Roadmap activities, which are not independent of other activities or larger national or international programs. In some cases, the critical path for an activity may be set outside the focus of the activity.

International dependencies may impact national cross-government initiatives and Roadmap activities. Internationally, we may:

  • choose to progressively lead in developing solutions for emerging technologies
  • need to align with international legal requirements or satisfy international commitments
  • recognise and adapt to differences in the Australian operating, legal, political, economic or environmental context, while harmonising where practicable.
Updated: 30 January 2025
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//resources-and-education/publications-and-resources/corporate-publications/rpas-and-aam-strategic-regulatory-roadmap/drivers-enablers-and-dependencies
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