Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
15h ago

FAA Launches eVTOL Pilot Program as Joby, Archer Join

Selected public‑private trials will run up to three years to generate data for broader regulation.

A Joby Aviation Air Taxi is seen outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) ahead of their listing in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 11, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Image: Warner Bros.
Image
Image

Overview

  • DOT and the FAA unveiled the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, which will approve at least five projects that require partnerships with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments.
  • Applications are due December 11, 2025, with supervised trial operations potentially starting in 2026 and running for up to three years.
  • Pilot projects will test passenger air taxis, cargo and logistics for emergency or medical use, longer‑range fixed‑wing operations, and increasing automation safety.
  • Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation said they will participate, with Joby citing progress toward FAA type certification and more than 40,000 miles of flight testing, while Archer highlights plans to work with United Airlines and interested cities.
  • Shares of Joby and Archer rose after the announcement, and officials said findings from the trials will inform rules for safe, scalable advanced air mobility.