ATC
NASA Uses PC-12 for Advanced Air Mobility Flight Trials
NASA is utilizing a PC-12 to test cell tower signal strength in the greater Cleveland area to assess communications infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft.
NASA's Pilatus PC-12 aircraft on airport ramp
NASA has equipped a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft to test cell tower signal strength. (Image: NASA)

NASA is deploying a Pilatus PC-12 for test flights in the Cleveland area as part of its work to pave the way for the autonomous operations envisaged for the advanced air mobility sector. The flights started today and run through June 25, with the agency’s pilots following roadways over Cleveland, Lodi, Mansfield, and Medina in Ohio to test communications technology expected to be used by eVTOLs and other new air vehicles.

The space agency's PC-12 has been fitted with monitors to measure cell tower signal strength at various altitudes in urban, suburban, and rural areas. It will fly no lower than 1,000 feet in populated areas and no lower than 500 feet outside towns.