FAA Unmanned Aircraft System Environmental Review Support
HMMH provided research, site selection, and environmental evaluations, including noise analysis, for the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Vertiport Master Plan. As part of the feasibility study, HMMH evaluated the potential noise and environmental effects of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. During the second phase of the project, HMMH conducted noise modeling for potential flight paths and vertiport sites.
Four key destinations were selected for UAM/AAM service: Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Lexington, and Louisville. The proposed routes from CVG Airport introduce several airspace considerations for ensuring safe, efficient, and coordinated operations, particularly given the complex airspace in the Cincinnati metropolitan region and greater Ohio Valley. Each route presents unique challenges based on surrounding airspace classes, existing traffic patterns and procedures, and geographic constraints, such as the Ohio River, which may serve as a navigational reference for certain routes.
HMMH provided guidance on safely deconflicting UAM traffic from other UAM operations as well as commercial and general aviation flights in the area. HMMH also performed noise modeling to evaluate a variety of aircraft that could operate along these routes, including traditional helicopters and conceptual electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In addition, HMMH provided guidance to help CVG planners navigate evolving laws and FAA regulations governing UAM/AAM operations.
