How FAA’s eVTOL Pilot Could Transform U.S. Air Travel

State, local, tribal, and territorial governments can participate in the program alongside private sector partners.

Jack Daleo

Friday, September 12, 2025 at 03:45 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Beta Technologies is developing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variants of its electric Alia. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA have launched the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) to accelerate the safe integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, such as electric air taxis and self-flying planes, into U.S. airspace.
The eIPP invites state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to submit proposals, partnering with private sector AAM developers, for operational testing projects over a three-year period.
The program's primary goal is to gather essential data and experience to shape national policy, FAA guidance, regulations, and best practices for future commercial AAM operations and demonstrate public benefits.
Leading eVTOL developers, including Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Wisk Aero, have expressed intent to participate, highlighting the program's significance for gaining real-world flight experience and market preparation.

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The U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA are launching a series of pilot programs for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, self-flying planes, short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, and other advanced air mobility (AAM) technology.

On Friday, the FAA called on state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to submit proposals for operational testing of these uncertified aircraft. The governments and their private sector partners will vie for at least five projects under the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)—a three-year, White House-directed initiative to safely integrate AAM aircraft into U.S. airspace.