SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Ohio is continuing its efforts to be at the forefront of aviation technology and advancement.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is creating an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) division, with Robert Tanner as its director. The division will “integrate advanced aviation technologies with transportation technologies on the ground,” according to an ODOT press release.
"Our state boasts a robust advanced air mobility ecosystem of commercial industry, academia, research, and military assets, which is complemented by a strong leadership structure to drive long-term innovation,” ODOT Director Pam Boratyn said in the release. “This addition signals Ohio’s commitment to remaining on the leading edge of aviation.”
This new division will be located at Springfield’s National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE), which opened in December of 2023. New aviation technology offers alternative ways to move people and goods, according to ODOT.
“Instead of traditional airports with long runways for takeoff and landing, new aircraft can take off and land vertically using a vertiport or landing pad, which has a much smaller footprint,” the release reads. “Some Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft are also electric, providing significant cost savings and allowing much quieter operations than traditional aircraft.”
AAM has received legislative attention as well, as ODOT states the governor’s budget proposal would implement an Advanced Air Mobility Strategy for the state.
“What we’ve created in Ohio is a one-of-a-kind environment for next-generation research, design, validation, testing, and training related to aircraft development that you can’t find anywhere else in the nation,” said Ted Angel, Executive Director of NAAMCE, in the release. “Emerging aviation technology presents an enormous opportunity to improve how people live their lives now and in the future, and Ohio is primed to lead the way.”
Additionally, ODOT also notes that they responded to a request from the Federal Aviation Administration “for information on locations to establish the Center of Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT).”
A $140 million initiative, this would be a national hub related to AAM and other new aviation technology.
ODOT claims Ohio would be a prime location for the CAAT due to our state’s pedigree as an aerospace supplier, our manufacturing workforce, research institutions and higher education programs.
They also claim they could save the FAA $53 million and expedite operations by “leveraging the state’s existing assets.”
Ohio truly has its eyes in the skies and beyond.
State lawmakers recently sent a letter of interest to Vice President JD Vance and Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be NASA administrator, seeking to have Ohio be the next headquarters for NASA.
Regarding AAM, the release states that uses in Ohio will include small packages, cargo and even people, to be implemented in various phases. Data will come via four different study zones around the state.
“Co-locating the FAA's Center for Advanced Aviation Technology at the newly built NAAMCE facility in Springfield will continue the momentum already underway in Ohio,” Tanner said in the release. “ODOT, along with the Air Force Research Laboratory, developed technology that uses active radars to enable safe operation of uncrewed aircraft, so it makes sense to keep building on the expertise and initiatives currently taking place around the state.”
Spectrum News 1 reporter Rose Todd contributed to this report.
