US Launches New Pilot Program to Accelerate eVTOL Air Taxi Deployment

FAA to partner with private firms and local governments on at least five projects under ‘eVTOL Integration Pilot Program’

The US federal government has unveiled a plan to speed up the adoption of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, commonly called eVTOLs, through a pilot program led by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The initiative, part of President Donald Trump’s June executive order “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” will select at least five public-private projects involving state, local or tribal governments paired with eVTOL manufacturers.

Companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are participating.

The program is intended to allow limited eVTOL operations in select markets before full FAA certification is achieved, creating regulatory and operational frameworks for passenger, cargo, medical, and emergency services.

Key provisions include issuing a public request for proposals to governments with private sector partners, establishing safety and data sharing requirements, and giving priority to U.S.-based manufacturers.

The program is set to run for three years once the first pilot becomes operational, with implementation steps beginning within 180 days of approved project agreements.