Urban air mobility in Europe and US: A comparative analysis of the governance of European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration for the growth of eVTOL aircraft

Bc. Radhitya Diva PUTRA, M.A.

Master's thesis

Abstract:

With the aim to understand how novel technologies are being governed for sustainable environment and enhance urban air mobility, this thesis investigates the governance of two civil aviation bodies, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in governing electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft in their respective jurisdictions. The key research question is "How is the governance of EASA and FAA to facilitate the growth of eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility in Europe and United States from 2019 to 2022?". The study draws on four theoretical frameworks: sociotechnical transitions, technology governance, rational choice institutionalism, and effective governance, to analyze and compare the governance of these institutions. Furthermore, the question is answered specifically through the lens of elements of effective governance, which are accountability, performance, and participation. From these elements, several sub-questions are created to allow detailed analyses based on structured, focused comparison as the main methodology. The findings reveal that EASA excels in performance and citizen outreach, while both institutions demonstrate relatively similar legal accountability and industry participation. Nevertheless, insights can be drawn from each body's approach, offering essential learnings to enhance the governance of emerging technologies like eVTOL.

Abstract:

With the aim to understand how novel technologies are being governed for sustainable environment and enhance urban air mobility, this thesis investigates the governance of two civil aviation bodies, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in governing electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft in their respective jurisdictions. The key research question is "How is the governance of EASA and FAA to facilitate the growth of eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility in Europe and United States from 2019 to 2022?". The study draws on four theoretical frameworks: sociotechnical transitions, technology governance, rational choice institutionalism, and effective governance, to analyze and compare the governance of these institutions. Furthermore, the question is answered specifically through the lens of elements of effective governance, which are accountability, performance, and participation. From these elements, several sub-questions are created to allow detailed analyses based on structured, focused comparison as the main methodology. The findings reveal that EASA excels in performance and citizen outreach, while both institutions demonstrate relatively similar legal accountability and industry participation. Nevertheless, insights can be drawn from each body's approach, offering essential learnings to enhance the governance of emerging technologies like eVTOL.

Keywords

EASA, FAA, eVTOL aircraft, urban air mobility, governance

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 7. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: JUDr. Pavel Bureš, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Humanities / Euroculture