FAA Building Air Taxi Research Hub in Oklahoma City

Agency’s Vertical Takeoff and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR) could come online next summer.

Jack Daleo

Friday, June 26, 2026 at 01:00 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FAA’s Vertical Takeoff and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR) could open next summer. [Credit: FAA]

Key Takeaways:

A new facility, the Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR), is under construction in Oklahoma City as a dedicated proving ground for large electric and hybrid Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, like air taxis.
The primary goal of V-PAR is to develop critical standards, procedures, and operational insights required for the safe integration of AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System.
Located at the FAA's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the facility will support real-world flight testing, data analysis, and workforce training, advancing the U.S. AAM National Strategy.

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A Transportation Department (DOT) contractor this week broke ground on a new Oklahoma City facility that officials say will be a dedicated proving ground for electric and hybrid aircraft technology.

Unlike the various FAA-authorized uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) test sites spread across the country, which study small drones, the agency’s Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR) is intended for bigger aircraft, such as passenger-carrying air taxis.