Electric air taxis have been cleared for test flights in Texas, marking the launch of a new federal programme designed to assess the feasibility of electric, hybrid-electric, and autonomous aircraft before the rules governing the technology have been finalised.
Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) chose eight state-led projects to serve among the first public trials of these aircraft. The opening effort begins in Texas, involving three eVTOL companies: Joby, Beta, and Wisk.
What the Texas trials involve
Over the coming week, the companies will carry out test flights demonstrating future routes between cities and regional airports, including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. No passengers will be aboard the aircraft, but regulators will be watching closely to see how the state’s air traffic control system copes with the increase in flight traffic.
For the firms, the goal is to prove to the federal government that their aircraft merit type certification, a requirement before any of them can carry passengers commercially in the United States. That process can take years to complete, prompting the White House to establish the pilot programme so companies can demonstrate their technology before the regulatory process concludes.
Through the eIPP, the companies hope to speed their route to market by getting an early start on the data collection needed for certification. Data gathered during the programme will also help develop new regulations intended to enable the technology safely at scale.
Wider rollout and ongoing challenges
The companies argue that electric and autonomous flight will help cut car traffic in cities and create new mobility options for consumers. “I’m incredibly excited by the potential for vertical lift in Texas, a state with the infrastructure, expertise, and partnerships to help lead the next era of American aviation,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
Several of the firms have carried out public test flights previously, including Joby, whose egg-shaped aircraft demonstrated a future route between Lower Manhattan and JFK Airport earlier this year. However, these will be the first official flights under the new pilot programme. Further trials are planned in New York, Utah, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina, and New Mexico.
Legal disputes could complicate the outlook for electric aviation. Joby and rival Archer are currently suing one another over stolen trade secrets and corporate espionage. Technology limitations, including battery weight and sensor decisions, could also slow the rollout. Additional tests under the programme are being planned across the seven other selected states.
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Image: theverge.com
