FAA opens up real world testing for air taxi startups
Source: Engadget
Overview
U.S. regulators have approved eight pilot programs across 26 states that will allow Archer, Joby and other eVTOL companies to begin testing aircraft this summer, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) press release. The programs will enable trials for use cases such as urban air‑taxi services, regional passenger transportation, cargo, emergency medical operations, and autonomous‑flight technology.
The projects were made possible by the White House’s Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (e‑IPP), approved last year to move certification forward after years of stagnation. “By safely testing the deployment of these futuristic air taxis and other AAM vehicles, we can fundamentally improve how the traveling public and products move,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at the time.
Participating Companies and Programs
- eVTOL manufacturers: Archer, Joby, Beta, Electra, Elroy Air, Wisk, Ampaire, Reliable Robotics.
- Key pilot locations: Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, North Carolina (state Departments of Transportation); New York and New Jersey Port Authority; City of Albuquerque.
- Notable concept: Archer’s plan to operate air taxis between New York’s major airports and city heliports.
Regulatory Context
Many eVTOL startups have launched in recent years, but none have yet received type certificates for carrying passengers or other commercial purposes. Archer and Joby are the farthest along, having been granted the FAA’s final airworthiness criteria—the last step before full approval.
According to FAA official Kalea Texeira, the remaining delays are “regulatory synchronization” rather than technical capability, encompassing vertiports, energy supply chains, Part 135 commercial integration, and pilot‑training frameworks that match aircraft timelines. Texeira indicated that Joby is unlikely to certify before mid‑2027, with Archer following in 2028.
Industry Reactions
- Beta: CEO Kyle Clark said selection for the program will allow the company to start operations a year earlier than previously expected.
- Archer: CEO Adam Goldstein likened the program to robotaxi testing, noting it will help build public trust for the company’s Midnight aircraft. “This is the clearest sign yet… that bringing air taxis to market in the United States is a real priority,” he added.
This article originally appeared on Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/transportation/faa-opens-up-real-world-testing-for-air-taxi-startups-112219316.html?src=rss