Examining Importance of Urban Rotorcraft Operations Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

This study aims to determine the importance of each factor considered when operating a rotorcraft in a city. After identifying factors that could affect urban air mobility, we reviewed the influencing factors by applying an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Level 1 classifies the essential factors of the urban operation of rotorcraft in nominal and off-nominal situations. The factors corresponding to the characteristics of each were composed of lower levels, such as Levels 2 and 3. Using this, the importance of influencing factors was analyzed and the most important factors were determined. The most influential factors of the urban operation of rotorcraft included engine failure, fire situations, and vehicle safety. Accordingly, an environment that can guarantee safe operation by considering the most influential factors in advance in an actual operation stage must be constructed.