Revolutionizing Advanced Air Mobility: The Michigan Model Explained

Efforts to integrate AAM aircraft are trickling down to the states.

Jack Daleo

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Drones fly above ground robots at the University of Michigan’s autonomous vehicle testbed site that is expanding to include electric and uncrewed aerial vehicles. [Szczepanski/Michigan Engineering]

Key Takeaways:

While the FAA is making strides in integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, states are proactively developing their own ecosystems and infrastructure to capitalize on the technology.
Michigan, through its Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), leads this state-level effort by investing over $10 million in grants for AAM testbeds, pilot projects, and infrastructure, aiming to position itself as a key development hub.
Other states are replicating Michigan's model, forming collaboratives and participating in pilot programs to harmonize AAM regulations and explore diverse applications for economic development and public benefit.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The FAA has taken major strides toward the safe integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis.

A special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) for powered-lift pilot training and operations, guidance for powered-lift certification projects, a proposal for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flight, and more have been introduced in recent months. An eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) is set to begin next year and conclude in 2028—a year the FAA anticipates AAM operations scaling up in major U.S. cities.