Jauna FAA programma ļaus EVTOL jaunizveidotiem uzņēmumiem pārbaudīt dažas operācijas pirms pilnīgas sertifikācijas

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a new pilot program that will allow electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) startups to test some operations before they receive full regulatory certification.

This is a potentially big change for these companies, who have spent the last few years conducting limited flights of their aircraft while working toward FAA approval. But the program has its limits.

Companies will need to partner with state, local, tribal or territorial governments to apply for the program. The FAA says it will approve at least five projects that can operate for up to three years, covering short-range air taxis, long-range fixed-wing flights, cargo hauling, logistics and delivery for emergency or medical purposes, and “increasing the safety of automation.”

The FAA is looking for applicants “who can achieve successful results by working with a range of entities that will accelerate these projects to the high safety standards that the public expects from the aviation industry,” according to official solicitation documents in the area.

“These projects, if successful, are expected to provide significant data and lessons to inform the broader regulatory framework that will support and oversee the AAM [advanced air mobility] industry,” the agency writes.

So far, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have announced plans to apply for the pilot program on Friday. Neither company has said which government entity they plan to apply with, though Archer noted that it will work with existing partner (and investor) United Airlines. Applications are due December 11, 2025, and pilots could begin as early as 2026.