Advanced Air Mobility Institute · 501(c)(3)

We educate and advocate for the broadest public benefit through the aviation ecosystem, globally.

An international nonprofit research center, committed to protecting people, their rights, and the systems we rely on.

Board of Liaisons, now linking
Kenya 01.3°S 36.8°E
Represented
Over 80 nations
Regions
Americas · Europe · ME & Africa · Asia Pacific
Status
Tax exempt, IRC §501(c)(3)

01 · What Advanced Air Mobility is

What Advanced Air Mobility is

Advanced Air Mobility is the emerging aviation ecosystem that leverages revolutionary new aircraft and a broad array of innovative technologies to safely, quickly, and sustainably move people and goods among local destinations, to connect communities underserved by existing modes of transportation.

Glossary

Vertiport

A neighborhood place for vertical takeoff. These are the necessary infrastructure required for eVTOL flights.

Glossary

eVTOL

An acronym standing for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing. Essentially, they are scaled-up drones, now large enough for human passengers.

Glossary

BVLOS

Beyond Visual Line Of Sight. To maximize efficiency we need to achieve safe BVLOS operations.

Glossary

Urban Air Mobility

The intra-city subset of advanced air mobility (AAM). The industry was originally referred to as Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

Glossary

Regional Air Mobility

Aims to transport people and goods between more distant communities that are otherwise too inconvenient to drive or impractical to fly commercially.

02 · Who we are

Who we are

We are a community of professionals, founders, inventors, engineers, computer scientists, cybersecurity experts, educators, scholars, journalists, storytellers, poets, pilots, aviators, veterans, first responders, lawyers, liaisons, environmental activists, policy analysts, transportation planners, architects, economists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and advocates from the next generation.

Together we ensure that Advanced Air Mobility technology will be integrated into our respective airspaces around the world in a way that helps the highest number of people.

We volunteer to dedicate our time and talent into diverse programs, events, reports, and strategic initiatives that directly improve the lives of everyday citizens.

03 · Guiding principles

We have three guiding principles to focus our efforts.

We seek to accelerate access to these new technologies in an ethical and responsible way.

01 / 03

Safety

Prioritizing safety & emergency response will maximize benefits.

AAM needs to build a robust safety culture where data drives learning. AAM technology should be available immediately to public safety agencies in order to expedite response time and thereby save more lives. We are leading the effort to promote Drones as First Responder (DFR) programs as well as eVTOL as Air Medical Service (eAMS).

  • Drones as First Responder
  • eVTOL as Air Medical Service
  • AAM Public Safety Cooperative
02 / 03

Dignity

Educating citizens on both risks & rewards will foster public trust.

The Institute will continually engage with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and citizens throughout the world to provide education and honest assessments regarding the state of AAM in their community. We are committed to ensuring that AAM is both sustainable & affordable.

  • Autonomous Transportation Public Trust Initiative
  • Net Zero CO2 Emission 2050
  • Justice40
03 / 03

Resilience

Investing in critical systems early & often will reduce vulnerability.

With an eye toward the future, the Institute promotes systems resilience. We will rally decision makers to invest in youth STEM education and implement proactive cybersecurity measures well before the dawn of cryptographically-relevant quantum computers.

  • Youth STEM education
  • Quantum-ready cybersecurity
  • Green AAM Pilot's Association

04 · The network

Our Board of Liaisons convenes industry professionals from over 80 nations.

Country representatives from four main regions increase public awareness about prospective tradeoffs and help decision makers prioritize life-saving use cases.

80+

Nations on the Board of Liaisons

    Industry Roundtable

    Senior Advisors working together on strategic projects.

    A collaborative forum of industry experts and subject matter specialists, structured into task forces and working groups, to advance Advanced Air Mobility initiatives.

    Meet the advisors
    Research Council

    Senior academics and AAM Scholars from universities worldwide.

    From Embry-Riddle, Purdue and Cranfield to Leiden, Politecnico di Milano and the University of South Australia.

    See the full team
    Industry consortia

    We sit at the tables where AAM policy is shaped.

    • World Economic Forum, AVIATE Committee
    • Australian National Community of Practice for UAS & AAM Research
    • Illinois DOT Aviation, AAM Study Group
    • Tennessee DOT Aeronautics, Air Mobility Task Force
    • SANDAG, AAM Collaborative
    • Miami Engineering Autonomous Mobility Initiative

    05 · Milestones

    Here is what the Institute and its founder have built since 2023.

    1. Dan Sloat founds the Advanced Air Mobility Institute.

      A 501(c)(3) independent nonprofit research center dedicated to educating & advocating for the broadest public benefit through the aviation ecosystem globally.

    2. Original author of the English Wikipedia page on AAM.

    3. Opening keynote at the inaugural United Nations' AAM Symposium.

      Dan gave the keynote address for ICAO at its first ever Advanced Air Mobility symposium in Montreal. The event drew more attendees than any other in the organization's 80 year history.

    4. Opening keynote at the inaugural NASA UAS Symposium.

      Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.

    5. Community Engagement Team of the Year.

      AAM Global Awards 2024, eVTOL Insights, Montreal.

    6. The Global AAM Forum series.

      Winter January 2024, Summer July 2024 and Winter January 2025, each with a summary report.

    7. Dan leads the first ever all-electric, crewed air race in world history.

    8. Our Brand Ambassador, Quinn Reece, becomes the first American Paramedic to respond to a real world emergency via eVTOL.

      She is an inspiration and role model for the next generation of aviators. Quinn has proven that AAM can be a force for good.

    Dan Sloat, founder and president of the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, smiling in a navy suit, herringbone waistcoat and blue tie
    Founder & PresidentTulsa, OK

    06 · Founder

    Dan Sloat collaborates with regulators, industry, scholars and communities to shape the future of transportation.

    Dan Sloat, JD/MBA FRAeSFounder & President

    I am a passionate Community Engagement expert driving Public Trust & Economic Growth for Advanced Air Mobility. As a prior US Air Force Captain, Part 61 private pilot, and Part 107 drone pilot, I have the leadership and direct operational experience in Uncrewed Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) to help guide the nascent AAM industry. I utilize my education with graduate degrees in law, business, and economics to deliver engaging presentations in 23 nations and counting.

    • Prior US Air Force Captain
    • Part 61 private pilot
    • Part 107 drone pilot
    • World Economic Forum AVIATE Committee
    • Humanitarian Service Medal (USAF, 2014)

    Working alongside Dan has been one of the most enriching experiences of my professional journey. He is not only a visionary in the aviation ecosystem and AAM sector but also a rare kind of leader who balances ambition with humility and intellect with empathy. Dan has a gift for seeing the bigger picture, he advances people, and purpose with it.

    His ability to convene diverse stakeholders around a shared mission, to articulate complex ideas, and to consistently act with integrity makes him a cornerstone for any organization seeking meaningful impact and strong executive wisdom and operational skills. Whether he’s speaking to policymakers or mentoring young professionals, Dan brings a sense of gravity, direction, and trust.

    In a world often rushing toward the future without reflection, Dan brings a wise, grounded approach that not only anticipates what’s next but also ensures it serves the greater good.

    I’m truly proud to have worked alongside him. He has not only led with vision and purpose but has also been a genuine friend, someone whose presence brings trust, encouragement, and inspiration at every step.

    In a career shaped by collaboration, vision, and dedication, it is a privilege to acknowledge someone who exemplifies both — I write this with sincere admiration.

    Amin VafadarThe Institute's first Executive Assistant, 2024 Volunteer of the Year

    I am honored to recommend Dan Sloat for his remarkable work and leadership. At the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, Dan has been a visionary force, driving innovation and excellence in the field of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). His expertise in UAS Traffic Management and his strategic approach have been instrumental in advancing significant projects and initiatives.

    Dan's dedication to fostering cross-functional collaboration and his ability to break down silos have created a culture of openness and innovation. His leadership has been marked by empathy, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His work at Volatus Infrastructure as the CEO further exemplifies his commitment to pushing boundaries and leading the way in the AAM industry.

    On a personal level, Dan is an incredible person and profession. His kindness, integrity, and passion for empowering others have made a lasting impact on everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. Dan's contributions have paved the way for a brighter, safer, and more connected future in air mobility.

    I highly recommend Dan Sloat to any organization seeking a forward-thinking and inspiring leader in the aviation and AAM industry. His work is truly transformative, and his character is impeccable.

    Katrin MayrhoferCOO & Co-Founder, ELSA Industry · Board Member, AAM Institute

    Dan possesses both the ability to quietly listen and absorb the conversation around him, as well as the gift of holding the attention of an audience of one to a full auditorium. Most importantly, he has the discernment to recognize the right situations for leaning on either of these gifts, or for active, empathetic listening.

    I've known Dan as both an Air Force officer and am pleased to call him both a colleague and friend. As a collaborator, his vast experiences, growth mindset, and keen attention to detail have contributed to engaging business and professional conversations, as well as informed edits of professional documents and publications. As a friend, Dan's interest and support of others is genuine. Most importantly, if Dan says he's going to do something, you know he'll be true to his word.

    No matter the task, resources, or risks, choosing Dan to lead or participate on your team is one of the best and easiest choices you could make. He has my highest endorsement!

    Jim Hinds, MS, MBA, PMPMentor to Dan

    07 · In the press

    For emerging aviation technology, we are increasing public awareness, achieving public acceptance, and earning public trust.

    The Boston GlobeUp, up, and away from traffic

    Catching a short flight from a neighborhood vertiport will almost feel “like a bus stop but for aerial travel.”Dan Sloat, speaking to the Boston Globe

    Aerospace AmericaFAA's updated blueprint for air taxi services

    “The FAA is right to acknowledge that while their aviation safety mission is absolutely paramount, the complexity of UAM operations will require extensive input from industry operators and from other regulatory agencies to ensure fair and equitable practices.”Dan Sloat, Advanced Air Mobility Institute

    US CongressSubcommittee on Aviation · March 30, 2023

    “Non-profits like Urban Movement Labs, the Community Air Mobility Initiative, AeroX, MassAutonomy, and the newly formed Advanced Air Mobility Institute aim to bridge this gap and support communities in advancing technology fostering holistic integration.”Clint Harper, testimony on FAA Reauthorization
    eVTOL Insights Podcast, Ep. 97No U-Turn Podcast, Ep. 42Full Crew Podcast, Ep. 50Aviation Sustainability Africa PodcastAdvanced Air Mobility InternationalMedia Partner, Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport

    08 · Publications

    Our reports are free to download.