As aircraft with increasing levels of conflict management and decision-making automation are introduced into the global airspace system, operational procedures and traffic management approaches must evolve to support new mission types and to allow airspace users to fully leverage these emerging capabilities. SkyGrid and Wisk, alongside Boeing, propose that establishing a new set of flight rules tailored to these highly automated operations is a key step in this evolution.

The development of new flight rules is not without precedent. Aviation began with Visual Flight Rules (VFR), under which pilots operated independently using visual cues to navigate and remain clear of other aircraft. As operations evolved in performance, scale, and complexity, it became clear that the ability to safely operate at higher altitudes, higher speeds, and lower visibility conditions was essential. This drove new navigation and communication requirements and ultimately led to the development of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), enabling safe operations across a broader range of weather conditions, cruise altitudes, and speeds. The introduction of IFR brought new airspace classifications, equipage and pilot qualification requirements, and the formalization of air traffic services. Throughout this evolution, the system remained human-centric, relying on human-compatible interfaces such as voice communications, preserving inclusivity for existing users while improving safety.

As the next step in this evolution, a new set of flight rules, termed Automated Flight Rules (AFR), is proposed to support operators of highly automated aircraft, including those capable of operating with reduced human involvement. AFR is designed to complement, not replace, VFR and IFR, and to be available to any properly equipped airspace user. Whereas VFR and IFR rely on pilot visual awareness and ATC-provided services to keep aircraft safely separated, AFR will allow aircraft to use automation to perform conflict management functions. Operators of uncrewed aircraft may additionally pair this capability with new decision-making automation, reducing the need for human involvement in operations. As a result, AFR will support the safe and scalable integration of increasingly automated aircraft into the global airspace system.

While a broader discussion of how AFR may be applied across a wide range of airspace users is the topic of a separate Boeing, SkyGrid, and Wisk AFR Concept of Operations document, this white paper focuses specifically on how AFR can support the airspace integration of low-altitude Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations and their safe and efficient scaling beyond the constraints of the current airspace system. Rather than providing detailed technical specifications for new flight rules, this paper presents an overview of the basic operational procedures and behaviors expected of UAM aircraft operating under AFR. Future publications will address contingency procedures, minimum aircraft equipage, performance requirements, operational approval processes, and accountability frameworks for AFR.

SkyGrid and Wisk hope that this document will stimulate fruitful conversations with regulators, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), and the wider UAM industry as we work together to advance the airspace integration of UAM worldwide.

Download the full white paper.