Preparing Appalachian Airports for Electric Aircraft

Ohio University researchers will work on a plan to integrate cutting-edge aviation technologies for regional airports within 36 counties.

Sam Winer

Thursday, August 08, 2024 at 10:30 AM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

A prototype electric aircraft developed by Airbus Group [Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Ohio University secured a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), complemented by over $176,000 in matching funds, to develop a 12-month plan for integrating advanced aviation technologies like Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and electric aircraft into 36 regional airports.
The plan specifically targets general aviation airports in distressed Appalachian counties across Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio, preparing them for a future centered on sustainable electric aviation.
This initiative is expected to boost local economies and foster economic growth in these historically distressed Appalachian communities by integrating cutting-edge aviation infrastructure.

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Through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), $500,000 is earmarked for Ohio University researchers to work with partners and the state aviation departments to prepare a plan to integrate cutting-edge aviation technologies for regional airports within 36 counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio.

With many industry pundits predicting a general aviation future centering around electric-powered GA aircraft, part of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) generation of less expensive and more adaptable electric aircraft, this grant combined with over $176,000 in matching funds will kick off a 12-month performance period with the culmination of one planning report that will address the AAM preparation requirements of 36 general aviation airports, specifically those airports distressed and at risk in the Appalachian counties of Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio.