Scaling the Skies: The Critical Role of Simulators and Infrastructure in the U.S. Air Taxi Launch
The vision of urban air mobility is moving from concept to reality. As the United States pushes toward the commercialization of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the industry is focusing on two critical bottlenecks: how to train pilots safely and where these aircraft will actually land. With operations slated to begin in 2026, the focus has shifted toward high-fidelity simulation and the rapid deployment of physical infrastructure.
The Simulation Bridge to Pilot Proficiency
Training pilots for a fresh class of aircraft requires a departure from traditional flight instruction. Simulators are poised to play a key role in air taxi pilot training, providing a risk-free environment to master the unique flight characteristics of eVTOL aircraft. By using simulation, the industry can accelerate the training pipeline and ensure safety standards are met before pilots ever leave the ground.
Accelerating Deployment: The eIPP Program
The path to commercial service is being quick-tracked through government initiative. Under a White House-backed Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), established by Presidential Executive Order, certain companies can begin early operations ahead of full FAA type certification.
Joby Aviation has been selected as a partner in multiple winning applications under this program. This selection allows Joby to begin early operations in 2026 across 10 U.S. States:
- Arizona
- Florida
- Idaho
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
The eIPP program aims to streamline approvals for airspace integration and infrastructure development by bringing the FAA, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and local authorities together.
The Infrastructure Gap: Vertiports and Regional Reach
While the aircraft and training protocols are advancing, the physical landing sites—known as vertiports—still don’t exist. However, the industry is moving to fill this gap. Airport services company Atlantic Aviation has already selected initial vertiport sites in Florida, Texas, and New York.
This infrastructure is part of a broader strategic vision. On March 9, 2026, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the FAA unveiled plans to expand air taxi networks from individual cities to extend regional reach, ensuring that air taxi services aren’t just for short urban hops but can connect wider regions.
Global Standards and Safety
The U.S. Is not operating in a vacuum. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has already put standards in place for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, providing a regulatory benchmark as the U.S. Develops its own framework for safe integration into the national airspace.
Key Takeaways for the Air Taxi Industry
- Training: Flight simulators are essential for preparing pilots for eVTOL operations.
- Regulatory Fast-Track: The eIPP program allows early operations in 10 states before full FAA type certification.
- Infrastructure: Atlantic Aviation is leading the charge with initial sites in NY, TX, and FL.
- Vision: The DOT and FAA are planning for regional networks rather than isolated city services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states will see early air taxi operations?
Through the eIPP program, Joby Aviation has the opportunity to begin early operations in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.
Are there any active vertiports in the U.S.?
No, air taxi vertiports do not exist yet, but Atlantic Aviation has selected initial sites in New York, Texas, and Florida to begin development.
What is the eIPP program?
The Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program is a White House-backed initiative established by Presidential Executive Order to accelerate the integration of air taxis into the national airspace by coordinating the FAA, DOT, and local authorities.