The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a new initiative aimed at advancing the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The announcement was made by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy in Washington, D.C., and follows an executive order from President Trump focused on promoting American leadership in drone technology.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will oversee the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which is designed to foster collaboration between public agencies and private companies. The program seeks to create regulatory frameworks that support the safe operation of these emerging technologies.
"The next great technological revolution in aviation is here. The United States will lead the way, and doing so will cement America’s status as a global leader in transportation innovation," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "That means more high-paying manufacturing jobs and economic opportunity. By safely testing the deployment of these futuristic air taxis and other AAM vehicles, we can fundamentally improve how the traveling public and products move."
Sean Duffy U.S. Secretary of Transportation
| U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford added, "This pilot program gives us another opportunity to advance the Administration’s plan to accelerate safe eVTOL and advanced air mobility operations across the United States. We will take the lessons learned from these projects to enable safe, scalable AAM operations nationwide."
The eIPP will consist of at least five pilot projects over a three-year period once operational activities begin. These projects are expected to explore various uses for AAM vehicles, including short-range passenger flights, longer-range fixed wing missions, cargo transport, logistics for emergency management or medical services, offshore energy facility support, and advancements in automation safety.
To participate in the program, applicants must be government entities—state, local, tribal or territorial—with partnerships involving U.S.-based private sector firms. Eligible aircraft may be piloted or unmanned vehicles generally weighing over 1,320 pounds with potential passenger capacity. Technologies supporting integration into national airspace are also included in the scope of participation.
The FAA aims for this initiative to demonstrate how new aviation technologies can benefit communities across America by improving connectivity in rural areas, reducing urban congestion on roads, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
