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 26 states for expanded, real-world testing of novel aviation technologies.
Eight pilot projects will conduct a three-year study, allowing precertified eVTOL air taxis, STOL aircraft, and autonomous systems to operate at airports, interact with air traffic control, and potentially transport cargo and passengers.
The eIPP aims to generate critical operational data and experience to inform future national policies, regulations, and best practices for the commercial integration of electric and advanced aircraft.
Key manufacturers such as Archer, Joby, Beta, and Wisk are participating, testing diverse use cases including urban air taxi routes, regional cargo, and medical deliveries across various states.

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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.