FAA plans public eVTOL trials

Leading eVTOL developers Joby Aviation Inc. and Archer Aviation Inc. have said they will participate in the program with goals that include accelerating the development and certification process for the new aircraft and moving them into service carrying passengers and cargo as soon as possible. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new pilot program, known as the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which aims in part to reduce urban road congestion, improve emergency services and medical transport, and serve rural communities. The program follows President Trump’s executive order, titled Unleashing American Drone Dominance, published June 6.

Under the eIPP, companies will work with state and local governments “to develop new frameworks and regulations for enabling safe operations,” according to the Department of Transportation announcement.

“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,” Duffy said. “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.”

Archer, based in San Jose, California, said it is exploring ways to work with United Airlines and other carriers, and cities interested in developing trials for its Midnight aircraft under the eIPP. The goal is to show that eVTOLs are safe, quiet, and scalable.

“This is a landmark moment for our industry and our country. We have an Administration that is prioritizing the integration of eVTOL operations in U.S. cities ahead of full certification in a pragmatic way,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer founder and CEO. “We’ll demonstrate that air taxis can operate safely and quietly. These early flights will help cement American leadership in advanced aviation and set the stage for scaled commercial operations in the U.S. and beyond.”

The federal program is designed to give eVTOL developers critical opportunities to test their aircraft in settings that match their intended service environments. The trials also increase the potential for broad public exposure and support.

“President Trump has long recognized the significance of America’s leadership in the next era of aviation and this initiative ensures our nation’s leadership will continue,” said Greg Bowles, chief policy officer at Joby. “We’ve spent more than 15 years building the aircraft technology and operational capabilities that are defining advanced aerial mobility, and we’re ready to bring our services to communities. We look forward to demonstrating our aircraft's maturity and delivering early operations in cities and states nationwide.”

Joby said it is particularly well-suited for participation in the FAA’s fast-track program in part because the company believes it is in the late stages of the certification process. Joby plans to fly the first of its five FAA-conforming aircraft this year and begin flight testing with FAA pilots early in 2026. Joby also said it is already working with state and local governments in Texas, Florida, Ohio, New York, California, and others.

The FAA is also working with airports in preparation for integrating AAM aircraft in the national airspace system. Aviation specialists from Orlando International Airport recently completed a three-day simulation that studied the potential impacts of eVTOL aircraft operating in and around the airport. The simulation was conducted at the National Airspace System Innovation and Emerging Concepts Lab at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

“This assessment reflects our drive to help lead the next evolution of flight,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International. “We deeply value the collaborative partnership with the FAA, NASA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as we lay the groundwork to safely bring new airspace entrants into the National Airspace System and position Florida at the forefront of aviation’s future.”