The Future of Urban Air Mobility:

Revolutionizing Certification with U-PASS Toolbox

Dr. Mike Jones

03/11/2025

Aerospace

As the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry rapidly advances, the need for innovative certification methods has never been more pressing. Traditional approaches, which have served well for decades, are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of next-generation aircraft—particularly those equipped with cutting-edge fly-by-wire technology and advanced flight control systems. At the forefront of this shift is Systems Technology, Inc. (STI), leading the way with the groundbreaking U-PASS Toolbox, an innovative software solution poised to change how UAM aircraft are designed, tested, and certified.

The Need for New Certification Approaches

In recent years, we’ve witnessed significant advancements in Urban Air Mobility (UAM), with the development of small aircraft capable of navigating urban environments. However, these new aircraft—designed to be lighter, more efficient, and capable of performing under challenging conditions—require a different approach when it comes to certification. Traditional methods, which often rely on costly and time-consuming pilot tests, simply can’t keep up.

Enter the U-PASS Toolbox

This revolutionary tool is a direct response to the growing demand for innovative certification solutions that can keep pace with evolving technology. The U-PASS Toolbox, developed under the NASA SBIR project, offers a streamlined, efficient way to assess the handling and ride qualities of UAM aircraft without relying on traditional flight tests. By combining sophisticated Task-Pilot-Vehicle (TPV) models, it enables a level of analysis and predictive capability that was previously unattainable.

How U-PASS Transforms UAM Certification

One of the most exciting features of the U-PASS Toolbox is its ability to simulate real-world Mission Task Elements (MTEs)—essentially, the specific tasks and challenges a pilot may encounter during a mission. This means engineers and designers can gain early insights into how a vehicle will perform in various operational contexts, all without the need for physical prototypes.

Instead of relying on expensive and time-consuming pilot testing, the U-PASS Toolbox uses predictive modeling to assess handling quality ratings (HQRs). These ratings indicate how well an aircraft can handle different maneuvers and mission scenarios, helping to ensure that new designs meet safety and performance standards before they ever take to the skies.

The beauty of this approach is that it not only saves time and money but also enhances accuracy during the design phase. Engineers can make adjustments in real time, optimizing aircraft designs to meet specific performance goals and regulatory standards.

Key Features of the U-PASS Toolbox

The U-PASS Toolbox is a versatile, powerful platform that offers several key features for streamlining the design and certification process of UAM aircraft:

Task Model: Customize Mission Task Elements (MTEs) for each simulation. Simulate various operational conditions and mission scenarios to test how the aircraft performs in real-world situations.
Pilot Model: Adjust pilot parameters to simulate manual operation and assess pilot-vehicle interaction in real-time. This feature ensures that aircraft designs are not only technically sound but also intuitive and manageable for operators.
Vehicle Model: Modify vehicle settings, including environmental conditions, to simulate a wide range of operational scenarios. This enables designers to account for diverse flight environments and operational challenges.

Streamlining UAM Aircraft Development

By combining the expertise of engineers with the power of predictive modeling, the U-PASS Toolbox accelerates the development and certification process for UAM aircraft. This tool doesn’t just offer a snapshot of an aircraft’s capabilities—it provides a comprehensive, dynamic view of its performance across a wide variety of scenarios, ensuring that every aircraft is as safe, efficient, and reliable as possible.

With the U-PASS Toolbox, STI is paving the way for the next generation of Urban Air Mobility—one that’s smarter, faster, and more efficient. As UAM continues to evolve, so too must the methods we use to ensure its safety and success. The U-PASS Toolbox is a critical step in this journey, providing the tools necessary to navigate the skies of tomorrow.

The Future is Here—Are You Ready?

As we move into an era of increasingly complex aviation systems, the U-PASS Toolbox represents a vital innovation that will help engineers, designers, and manufacturers keep pace with the evolving landscape of Urban Air Mobility. Whether you’re developing the next air taxi, autonomous cargo drone, or a cutting-edge fly-by-wire aircraft, this tool gives you the predictive power and insight needed to create safer, more efficient vehicles.

Are you ready to take the next step in UAM certification? Discover the power of the U-PASS Toolbox today and help shape the future of aviation.