Under the Trump administration, the United States Department of Transportation has announced a pilot scheme targeting rapid integration of electric air taxis in the US airspace. Unveiled on Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is designed to “establish new structures and rules” and promote cooperation between government bodies and private sector to “enable” to “capable of secure operations” Electric Vertical Techoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (EIPP). This initiative, considered as an important step, is expected to strengthen the leadership of the United States in advanced aviation technology.

Transport Secretary Sean Dafi said in a statement, “The next great technical revolution in aviation is here.” “The United States will lead the route, and doing so will strengthen the position of America as a global leader in transport innovation. This means more high-ending manufacturing jobs and economic opportunities.” The declaration indicated the intention of administration to keep the United States at the forefront of air mobility, with a strong implication for economic growth and employment generation in manufacturing sectors.

The EIPP program will run for three years from the launch of its first project and will include a minimum of five pilot initiatives. According to the Transport Department, these projects will focus on both pilots and unmanned operations for electric vertical takeoff and EVTOLS, including passenger transport, cargo delivery and emergency response scenarios such as cargo delivery and airlift and medical transport. It marks a concrete effort to test the real world capabilities of EVTOLs before full FAA certification.

Participation in the program has already attracted interest from EVTOL developers. Jobi Aviation- A California-based company has recently approved the FAA to introduce testing flights- has confirmed its participation. “We have created aircraft technology and operating capabilities over the years more than 15 years that are defined advanced aerial dynamics, and we are ready to bring our services to communities,” said Greg Bouls, Chief Policy Officer of Jobi, said in a statement. “We are ready to demonstrate the maturity of our aircraft and give early operations in countries and states.”

Similarly, Archer Aviation also declared the intention to join the pilot scheme. Archer’s founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said in a statement, “We will showcase that the air taxi can work safe and quietly.” “These initial flights will help the US leadership in the advanced airline in cement and will set the stage for the US and beyond the commercial operations.” With at least five participants for selection, the FAA is currently accepting proposals, as mentioned in the upcoming federal notice.

The EIPP is designed to test the combination of unmanned and pilot air taxi operations before receiving the full FAA certification of the aircraft – a process that may take several years. Under the current rules, the aircraft should be certified by FAA to transport cargo or passengers commercially. The new program is expected to inform regulatory development and expedite EVTOL’s safe adoption across the US.

This is not the first time FAA has engaged with advanced air taxi technology. In June 2023, it approved Job Aviation’s plan to operate testing flights of an electric flying taxi prototype. The Friday announcement has seen both the Jobi and Archer re -joining the federal authorities to bring their aircraft to the broad audience through the new EIPP framework.

As the Pilot Scheme proceeds, participants will cooperate with the state and local governments, and with the industry, to refine operational processes and to demonstrate EVTOL effectiveness in diverse environments. The results of these pilot projects are expected to shape future regulatory approaches and increase America’s competitive status in the global advanced aviation market.