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:

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and FAA have broken ground on V-PAR (Vertical Takeoff and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range) in Oklahoma City.
V-PAR will serve as a dedicated proving ground for larger electric and hybrid Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, such as passenger-carrying air taxis, distinct from existing small drone test sites.
Its primary mission is to develop safety standards, operational procedures, and gather data for the safe integration of AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System.
The facility is a critical component of the government's AAM National Strategy, aiming to position the U.S. as a global leader in advanced air mobility.

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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.