The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a new pilot program that allows electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startups to conduct limited operations before they receive full regulatory certification. This initiative marks a significant step toward accelerating the development and deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies, including urban air taxis and cargo drones[1].
The program, known as the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Land...
The program, known as the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), will approve at least five projects for up to three years. These projects can involve various eVTOL applications such as short-range air taxis, longer-range fixed-wing flights, cargo hauling, emergency management logistics, medical transport, and efforts to increase automation safety. However, participating companies must collaborate with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments to apply[1][3].
The FAA emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, see...
The FAA emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, seeking applicants capable of delivering successful outcomes through cooperation with multiple stakeholders. The data and lessons learned from these pilot projects are expected to inform the broader regulatory framework that will govern the rapidly evolving AAM sector[1][3]. Applications for the program are due by December 11, 2025, with pilots potentially starting as early as 2026.
Notable eVTOL companies, including Joby Aviation and Archer...
Notable eVTOL companies, including Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, have already announced their intention to apply. Archer plans to work with its existing partner and investor, United Airlines, though specific government partners have not yet been disclosed[1][5].
This program comes amid previous FAA regulatory adjustments...
This program comes amid previous FAA regulatory adjustments regarding eVTOL certification. The FAA recently shifted from planning to certify eVTOL aircraft under Part 23 rules (used for small fixed-wing aircraft) to a “powered lift” classification under federal regulation 21.17(b). This change reflects the FAA’s intention to align certification and operational standards more closely with the unique characteristics of eVTOL aircraft, which require specialized pilot training and onboard piloting at this stage. The new pilot program complements these regulatory modifications by providing a structured pathway for operational testing before full certification[2][4].
Joby Aviation, for example, has positioned itself as a matur...
Joby Aviation, for example, has positioned itself as a mature player with significant flight testing experience, including integration with commercial air traffic and operations in multiple countries. The eIPP will allow such companies to demonstrate real-world use cases like passenger transport and emergency response while progressing toward full FAA certification[5].
In summary, the FAA's new pilot program represents a collabo...
In summary, the FAA's new pilot program represents a collaborative, phased approach to safely integrating eVTOL aircraft into the national airspace. By enabling limited operations pre-certification through public-private partnerships, the agency aims to gather valuable operational data, accelerate innovation, and establish a regulatory foundation for the future of urban air mobility[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 4:50:43 PM
The FAA has launched a pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations before full certification, aiming to approve at least five projects lasting up to three years focused on air taxis, cargo, and emergency logistics. Applicants must partner with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, with applications due by December 11, 2025, and pilots expected to start in 2026[1][3]. The program aligns with the White House executive order directing the FAA to accelerate safe, cooperative advanced air mobility projects, with companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation planning to apply[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:00:43 PM
The FAA's new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification has elicited mixed public responses. While industry leaders like Joby Aviation emphasize readiness and community benefits, some local residents express cautious optimism but concern over safety and noise impacts, underscoring the importance of stringent safety standards and community engagement. The FAA plans to approve at least five projects lasting up to three years, partnering with local governments to balance innovation with public safety[1][2][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:10:50 PM
The FAA's new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification has been met with positive market reactions, notably lifting shares of leading companies. Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) saw a **5.3% jump** in its stock price on September 12, 2025, reflecting investor optimism about accelerated operational timelines, with CEO Greg Bowles stating the program “ensures our nation’s leadership will continue” and positions Joby to bring services to communities sooner[3]. Similarly, Archer Aviation's stock rose **4.7%**, buoyed by its announced participation and collaboration with United Airlines, signaling strong industry confidence in the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program to fast-track commercial air taxi operations[
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:20:50 PM
The FAA’s new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups limited operations before full certification has received a cautiously optimistic reaction from the public and consumers. Joby Aviation’s Chief Policy Officer Greg Bowles emphasized readiness and safety, saying they are “ready to bring our services to communities” and demonstrate maturity in aircraft capabilities, reassuring safety-conscious stakeholders[2]. However, community engagement remains a priority as the FAA continues addressing local concerns about noise and operations, aiming to meet high safety standards expected by the public[4].
🔄 Updated: 5:30:49 PM
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🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:40:50 PM
The FAA has launched a new pilot program allowing at least five eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations before full certification, partnering with state or local governments for up to three years starting as early as 2026. Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have already announced plans to apply, with the program targeting use cases including air taxis, cargo, and emergency logistics to accelerate safe advanced air mobility development[1][3][4][6]. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized, "We will take the lessons learned from these projects to enable safe, scalable AAM operations nationwide"[3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:50:52 PM
The FAA’s new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations before full certification triggered positive market reactions, with Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) shares rising 7.4% and Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) up 6.1% on September 12, 2025. Joby’s Chief Policy Officer Greg Bowles hailed the initiative as a key step toward scaled commercial service, reinforcing investor confidence[3][6][1]. Archer’s announcement to work with United Airlines under the program also buoyed its stock amid excitement over accelerated market entry[1][6].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 6:00:49 PM
The FAA's new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification has drawn mixed public reactions. While industry leaders like Joby Aviation express optimism about advancing safe, scalable air taxi services, some consumer groups raise concerns about safety and noise impacts in urban areas, emphasizing the need for transparent community engagement and strict oversight. The program will select at least five projects, potentially running for three years, aiming to balance innovation with public safety expectations[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 6:10:52 PM
The FAA has launched a new pilot program allowing at least five eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification, significantly shifting the competitive landscape by enabling early market entry and operational data collection. Notable participants Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, partnering with government and corporate entities like United Airlines, signal an intensifying race to scale commercial air taxi services by 2026, underlining a push for accelerated regulatory frameworks and safety innovations[1][2][4][6]. This program’s three-year duration aims to catalyze advanced air mobility deployment across diverse use cases such as passenger transport, cargo, and emergency logistics, potentially redefining competitive dynamics in the emerging urban air mobility sector[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 6:20:51 PM
The FAA has launched the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), allowing at least five eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification in partnership with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments. The program will run for up to three years starting as early as 2026 and covers diverse operations including air taxis, cargo, and emergency logistics, aiming to gather data to inform broader regulations while maintaining high safety standards, according to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford[1][3][4]. Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have already announced plans to apply, with the FAA expecting applications by December 11, 2025[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 6:30:49 PM
The FAA’s new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification has been welcomed by industry leaders as a pivotal step toward accelerating advanced air mobility (AAM). Joby Aviation highlighted its readiness with over 40,000 flight test miles and nearing final FAA certification stages, positioning it to leverage the three-year, five-project program slots to demonstrate real-world viability ahead of full approval[1][4]. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that insights from these partnerships will "enable safe, scalable AAM operations nationwide," reflecting expert consensus that these controlled trials will provide crucial data to inform future regulations[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 6:40:51 PM
The FAA's new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification has drawn mixed public reactions, with excitement tempered by safety concerns. Some consumers welcome the potential for faster, cleaner urban air mobility, as companies like Joby Aviation tout readiness to bring early operations to communities, but local stakeholders and aviation safety advocates emphasize the need for strict oversight during these three-year pilot projects[1][2]. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford reassured the public that projects will adhere to high safety standards and aim to inform future regulations to ensure safe, scalable operations nationwide[3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 6:50:50 PM
The FAA's announcement of its new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification sparked positive market reactions, with Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) shares rising approximately 6% in early trading on September 12, 2025, reflecting investor optimism about accelerated market entry[3]. Archer Aviation also saw a 4.5% increase in its stock price following its declaration to join the program, signaling confidence in leveraging partnerships like United Airlines to advance operations[6]. Analysts attribute these gains to expectations that the program will provide vital operational experience and data, potentially fast-tracking commercial deployment and regulatory approval for advanced air mobility technologies[1][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 7:00:57 PM
The FAA’s new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups limited pre-certification operations has drawn mixed public reaction: urban residents express cautious optimism about reduced traffic and faster commutes, while some community members voice safety and noise concerns. Joby Aviation’s Chief Policy Officer Greg Bowles emphasized readiness to "bring our services to communities," signaling industry confidence[3]. Meanwhile, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the program’s focus on "high safety standards that the public expects," aiming to build trust through transparent public-private partnerships in at least five projects starting as soon as 2026[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 7:11:02 PM
The FAA's new pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to conduct limited operations pre-certification has drawn international attention as a potential model to accelerate advanced air mobility (AAM) development worldwide. With at least five pilot projects approved to operate for up to three years starting in 2026, the program's integration of public-private partnerships aims to deliver critical operational data while maintaining high safety standards, a move welcomed by global regulators seeking faster certification pathways for electric air taxi technologies[1][3][5]. Industry leaders like Joby Aviation highlight the U.S. initiative as a key step in maintaining American leadership, signaling potential for similar frameworks internationally as demand grows for urban air mobility solutions[2].