The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a new pilot programme that aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles.
The Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which has been envisioned within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), looks to form a number of public-private partnerships with both State and local governments entities, as well as private sector companies, to develop new frameworks and regulations for the integration of AAM operations.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, said:The next great technological revolution in aviation is here. The United States will lead the way, and doing so will cement America’s status as a global leader in transportation innovation.
That means more high-paying manufacturing jobs and economic opportunity. 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.
The eIPP aims to include a minimum of five pilot projects, and will run for three years once the first project becomes operational.
Envisioned eIPP operations include both piloted and unmanned approaches to short-range air taxis, longer-range fixed wing flights, cargo, logistics and supply serving emergency management, medical transport or off-shore energy facilities and increasing automation safety.
As part of the eIPP, the FAA is now seeking participants for a new public-private partnership programme that will demonstrate the viability of AAM technologies, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with the potential to deliver benefits to the public.
All applicants must qualify as a State, local, tribal or territorial government in conjunction with a US-based private sector partner or partners.
