For Immediate Release
Monday, September 15, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant development for rural communities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today unveiled a new pilot program designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles. The announcement, made by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, promises to expand connectivity for rural America through new aviation technologies.
The initiative, named the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), will establish public-private partnerships to create new regulatory frameworks for safe AAM operations. These partnerships will involve State, local, tribal, or territorial governments working with U.S.-based private sector companies.
“The next great technological revolution in aviation is here,” said Secretary Duffy. “The United States will lead the way… 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”.
This new federal initiative aligns with several ongoing rural AAM projects, including:
- Rural vertiport pilots with integrated emergency medical services.
- New electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) routes connecting farm hubs to regional airports.
- Drone delivery programs improving healthcare access in pharmacy deserts.
- The use of smart drones and AI for assessing crop health.
The eIPP will run for three years and include at least five pilot projects. The program will focus on a range of operations that are particularly relevant to rural areas, including short-range air taxis, longer-range fixed-wing flights, and cargo logistics for emergency management and medical transport. This focus on medical and cargo delivery could accelerate projects like the expansion of rural medical delivery cargo corridors.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated, “We will take the lessons learned from these projects to enable safe, scalable AAM operations nationwide”.
The program specifically seeks participants who will use AAM aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, that are generally over 1,320 lbs. and may be capable of carrying passengers. This initiative follows the FAA’s recently finalized MOSAIC rule, which has already been seen as a major step forward for rural eVTOL and powered-lift innovations.
The announcement signals a strong federal commitment to AAM, which Secretary Duffy noted could lead to more high-paying manufacturing jobs and economic opportunity, resonating with efforts to spark economic growth in rural areas through advanced air mobility. The eIPP is an action following a presidential executive order aimed at unleashing American drone dominance.
