![Drones fly above ground robots at the University of Michigan’s autonomous vehicle testbed site that is expanding to include electric and uncrewed aerial vehicles. [Szczepanski/Michigan Engineering]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/M-Air-drones-robots-Large.jpeg)
The FAA has taken major strides toward the safe integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis.
A special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) for powered-lift pilot training and operations, guidance for powered-lift certification projects, a proposal for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flight, and more have been introduced in recent months. An eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) is set to begin next year and conclude in 2028—a year the FAA anticipates AAM operations scaling up in major U.S. cities.
