26 States to Begin Electric Aircraft Trials This Summer

Three-year trials of electric air taxis, autonomous aircraft, and other aviation technologies will be conducted.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Wisk Aero’s autonomous Generation 6 electric air taxi completes its maiden sortie in Hollister, California, in December. [Credit: Wisk Aero]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Transportation Department has launched the eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), selecting eight projects across 26 states for expanded, real-world testing.
This three-year program will integrate precertified electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, and autonomy systems into existing airspace, allowing interaction with air traffic controllers and airports for cargo, and potentially passenger, operations.
The eIPP aims to generate vital operational data and experience to inform national policy, FAA regulations, and best practices, thereby accelerating the commercial integration and certification of advanced air mobility aircraft.

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In a landmark moment for aviation innovation, the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) on Monday announced 26 states to lead expanded, real-world testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, flight autonomy systems, and other novel aviation technologies yet to be certified.

The eight pilot projects selected under the eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) —a three-year study created in response to President Donald Trump’s June 2025 executive order—will fall somewhere between internal sandbox testing and real-world commercial operations. The precertified aircraft will be allowed to soar into airports, interact with air traffic controllers (ATCs), and, in certain cases, fly cargo for revenue.