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 to lead expanded, real-world testing of advanced aviation technologies like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis and autonomous flight systems.
This three-year program features eight pilot projects that will allow precertified aircraft to operate in airports, interact with air traffic control, and conduct cargo (and potentially passenger) flights for revenue.
The eIPP aims to generate crucial data and experience to inform national policy and FAA regulations, accelerating the path toward commercial electric aircraft operations.
Key manufacturers such as Archer, Joby, Beta, and Wisk are participating across various states, focusing on use cases like passenger transport, cargo logistics, and emergency medical services.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.