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. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched the eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), selecting 26 states to participate in 8 pilot projects.
This program allows for expanded, real-world testing of uncertified eVTOL air taxis, STOL aircraft, and flight autonomy systems within airports and controlled airspace, including cargo and potential passenger flights for revenue.
The primary goal of the eIPP is to gather critical operational data and experience to inform future national policy, regulations, and best practices for commercial electric aircraft and advanced air mobility.
Major AAM developers such as Archer, Joby, Beta, Wisk, Electra, Elroy Air, and Reliable Robotics are participating, focusing on diverse use cases like regional passenger transport, cargo logistics, and medical services across the selected 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.