Pat Somersall is a director in the Tetra Tech Federal IT Group, supporting future air traffic management (ATM) operations for U.S. federal and commercial clients.
He is a retired air traffic controller with more than 30 years of experience in aeronautical services and advanced air mobility. Pat contributes to various aeronautical services, enterprise services, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operational concepts, ATM research and engineering, and ATM information architecture programs. He has been instrumental in integrating new aviation innovations such as UAS traffic management (UTM), urban air mobility (UAM), commercial space, high altitude long endurance (HALE) vehicles, and supersonic commercial operations into the National Airspace System (NAS).
Pat supports critical initiatives for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), including the development of UTM and UAM concept of operations and the advancement of other emerging technologies. His expertise focuses on integrating innovative aviation technologies and enhancing Tetra Tech’s leadership in infrastructure resiliency and modern airspace management.
What are the challenges our aviation clients are facing?
Our aviation clients face several complex challenges, including the safe and efficient integration of drones into the National Airspace System (NAS). As drone operations continue to expand, they unlock new market opportunities in areas such as aerial photography, infrastructure inspection, and package delivery from major carriers. At Tetra Tech, we work with clients to navigate challenges related to regulatory compliance, technological advancements, and maintaining operational efficiency. Collaborative ecosystems are needed to address these challenges by mitigating the risks associated with emerging aviation technology, providing operational support, and facilitating research and development for future trends.
How is UTM addressing the growing complexity of modern airspace?
UTM is the digital infrastructure ecosystem that manages how uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones, operate in shared airspace. It establishes connections between UAS operators to exchange operational information and coordinate operations so they remain safely separated within the airspace. This is achieved through agreed operating practices and business rules embedded in the automation, which help deconflict operations before the UAS takeoff. In 2021 there were just over 873,000 registered drones in the U.S., and by 2025, that number has surpassed 1 million. This rapid growth underscores the growing need for robust traffic management systems like UTM to maintain safe and efficient airspace operations.
Continued consumer demand for new services from uncrewed operations, especially in high density urban areas, is driving the need for broader airspace access and integration with crewed aircraft operations. Systems such as UTM and low altitude authorization and notification capability (LAANC) are early examples of how airspace services and ATM systems are evolving toward data exchange and service delivery processes in FAA operational systems. These systems support a collaborative exchange of data between operators and FAA air traffic systems.
How does UTM address challenges in airspace management while balancing public interest and industry growth?
UTM addresses key challenges in airspace management by supporting the safe and efficient integration of drones into the NAS. It provides a structured approach through automation, procedures, and business rules, enabling drones to operate safely in dense urban environments and controlled airspaces. At the same time, UTM accelerates industry growth and helps meet expanding demands for new missions such as package delivery, infrastructure inspection, aerial photography, and monitoring. UTM also supports the industry’s rapid development and expansion by providing the necessary tools and infrastructure for efficient operations.
The continued increase in new missions and types of aircraft necessitates an adaptable ATM system that can integrate and adapt to the expanding demands for a national resource—that being airspace—at a pace that meets airspace user needs, while maintaining the highest safety standards as transparently and efficiently as possible.
How does your team support FAA and NASA efforts to integrate emerging aviation technologies?
We support FAA and NASA initiatives by helping develop the operational frameworks and technologies needed to integrate emerging aviation technologies into the NAS. UTM provides a framework for managing drone operations, including capabilities like LAANC for real-time authorization in controlled airspace. It also supports small drone operations, such as package delivery and electrical grid maintenance.
One of the key challenges in modernizing the NAS is the integration of new entrants, such as UAS, UAM, commercial space operations, and HALE vehicles. This integration requires new regulatory frameworks, safety standards, and managing increased airspace complexity. UTM addresses these challenges by field testing safety standards, facilitating data exchanges, and collaborating with industry stakeholders. Additionally, UTM supports the FAA’s mandate from the U.S. Congress to accelerate the safe integration of new entrants.
The Tetra Tech Federal IT Group partners with agencies and industry leaders to develop systems that enable safe, future-ready air mobility and supports the NAS in remaining adaptable as new technologies emerge. This includes improving real-time data sharing and building scalable systems that can adapt to future trends in uncrewed aviation.
How is Tetra Tech advancing innovation in air traffic management?
Tetra Tech advances innovation in air traffic management by using UTM to support research and development in emerging aviation technologies. This includes exploring new applications for drones, such as package delivery, surveillance, and inspections. UTM also helps integrate these new applications into the existing airspace management framework, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently. We work closely with our partners to ensure these systems are resilient, helping pave the way for safe, efficient, and future-ready air mobility.
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