Glossary of Future Flight Terms Commonly Used

A collection of terms traditionally used by the aviation and infrastructure community.

 

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

A generic term used encompassing electric or hybrid aircraft and aviation mobility solutions of tomorrow.

 

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

The means of technology, operations and execution to allow safe flight arrivals and departures traditionally at airports.  The ATC controllers provide ongoing support to pilots when required.

 

Electric Vertical Take Off & Landing (EVTOL)

A classification of electric aircraft.  Examples of VTOLs include traditional helicopters or harrier  jet (both are non electric power train examples) which do not require traditional airport runways.

 

Electric Short Take Off & Landing (ESTOL)

A classification of aircraft.  Examples include any aircraft which requires a traditional airport runway to operate.

 

Sustainable Air Mobility (SAM)

A generic term used encompassing electric sustainable aviation mobility solutions of tomorrow having higher environmental credentials over current Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry definitions.

 

Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

A generic term used encompassing electric or hybrid aircraft and aviation mobility solutions of tomorrow used interchangeably with Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Sustainable Air Mobility (SAM)..

 

Vertical Take Off & Landing (VTOL)

A classification of  aircraft.  Examples of VTOLs include traditional helicopters or harrier  jet which do not require traditional airport runways.