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

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

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

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Transportation Department has begun construction on V-PAR (Vertical Takeoff and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range) in Oklahoma City, a dedicated proving ground for larger electric and hybrid Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, such as air taxis.
A key objective of V-PAR is to develop crucial standards, procedures, and operational guidelines for AAM, facilitating the safe integration of these emerging aircraft into the National Airspace System.
The facility will serve as a central hub for real-world flight testing, data analysis, AAM workforce training, and research into operational aspects like routes, emergency planning, and VTOL rotor effects.

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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.