FAA Launches Eight-Project AAM Pilot Program Across 26 States

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation announced March 9 that eight pilot projects will launch an Advanced Air Mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing integration program across 26 states. Selected from more than 30 submissions, the projects aim to establish American leadership in next-generation aircraft technology through safe integration into the National Airspace System.

The initiatives include urban air taxi services, regional passenger transportation, cargo networks and emergency medical response operations. Major partners include Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, BETA Technologies and Electra.aero, collaborating with state transportation departments in New York, Texas, Utah and Florida. Projects will also test autonomous flight technologies and offshore energy-sector transportation to evaluate diverse operational concepts.

Launched under President Trump's Unleashing Drone Dominance Executive Order, the program will inform future regulatory standards. "These partnerships help us understand how to safely and efficiently integrate aircraft into the airspace," said FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau. Operations are expected to begin by summer 2026, with data from the pilot projects guiding FAA development of advanced air mobility regulations.