Authorities in the US state of Texas have authorized tests to test the capabilities of electric, hybrid and drone vehicles planned to be used as air taxis in the future. According to The Verge, the project received government approval even before rules for the new technology were finalized.
Image source: Joby Aviation
Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) pilot program integrating advanced air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft selected eight national projects that will serve as the first public tests of these new aircraft. The first program launches today in Texas, with three eVTOL companies participating: Joby, Beta and Wisk.
Next week, the companies will conduct test flights on future routes between cities and regional airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. There are no plans to carry passengers on these test flights. Regulators will evaluate how the state’s air traffic control system handles the increased air traffic. The companies, in turn, want to prove to the federal government that their aircraft should receive the type certification required to transport commercial passengers in the United States.
Obtaining type certification for an aircraft can take years, so Washington has launched a pilot program that allows companies to demonstrate their new technology before the regulatory process is completed. Through these flight tests, the company hopes to speed up the aircraft’s time to market by obtaining the data needed for certification in advance. Information collected through this program will also be used to “Developing new regulations to enable this future technology to be safely implemented at scale”“, the White House said.
The company is ready to demonstrate its electric and drone capabilities, which it believes will help reduce urban traffic and open up new travel opportunities for consumers.
“I’m very excited about the prospect of vertical takeoff in Texas, a state that has the infrastructure, experience and partnerships to help usher in a new era of U.S. aviation.”JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation said.
Some companies involved in the development of the aircraft have already conducted public test flights. Earlier this year, Joby’s aircraft demonstrated its future route between lower Manhattan and John F. Kennedy Airport. However, the upcoming tests will be conducted as part of an official White House pilot program. Additional trials are planned in New York, Utah, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina and New Mexico.
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