Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility provides essential “how-to” procedures and methodologies for small uncrewed aitcraft systems (UAS) operations (package delivery, agriculture, and public safety), medium and large UAS operations (cargo transport, passenger transport, and medical services), and advanced air mobility (AAM) systems.

Addressing automation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration challenges, Digital Flight operational modes, and counter-UAS deployment requirements, this book considers the emerging opportunities in eVTOL aircraft, autonomous operations, and AAM systems. It details practical frameworks for establishing successful UAS/AAM ventures that align with safety and scalability objectives from pre-funding business development to technical implementation and commercial deployment.

This book is intended for UAS and AAM practitioners, new industry entrants, business developers, and regulatory professionals who work in unmanned aviation operations. It will also benefit researchers and graduate students seeking to understand the technical, operational, and commercial aspects of next-generation aviation systems.

Lee Nguyen is an adjunct faculty member in the College of Aviation Worldwide Campus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA. He graduated from Purdue University in 1983. During the next 10 years, as an aerospace engineer at NASA, Dr. Nguyen served as project manager of in-house and contractual research and development programs on aircraft engine technologies, aircraft and engine flight control, electronic display technologies, system engineering, and safety risk analysis. For the following 26 years, he was an aerospace engineer with the FAA Aircraft Certification Service, where he worked on the certification, regulations, safety, security standards, and continued airworthiness for aircraft and uncrewed aircraft systems and avionics, communication, surveillance, navigation systems, and flight deck systems. From 2022 to 2025, he worked as a consultant at the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, NY UAS Test Site. Currently, he is a consultant at the Nevada Center for Applied Research, Nevada UAS Test Site, and Precision Approach, LLC.

Melinda Marion is the CEO and Founder of Precision Approach, LLC, USA, where she leads strategic initiatives in aviation, UAS, and technology transfer. Previously, she served as the Director of Business Development for the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR) and the Michigan Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium (MUASC). Her career spans leadership roles at Eastern Michigan University, within the Automotive Industry, and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GDAIS), with expertise in intellectual property strategy, entrepreneurship, security programs, and aviation systems. She was appointed by the Governor of Michigan to Michigan’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force, where she served as a technical and commercial representative. She holds a B.S. in Aviation/Airway Management & Operations from Eastern Michigan University, with additional graduate studies in information technology and aviation. She is a certified Competitive Intelligence Professional and a licensed Private Pilot and Part 107 Remote Pilot. She has held security clearances in support of the defense industry.