North Carolina Proposes to Join FAA Electric Aviation Pilot Program
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North Carolina's DOT has proposed to join the FAA's Electric Aviation Pilot Program to test advanced air mobility for rural healthcare and logistics.
Key Takeaways
- •Proposes joining the FAA's three-year Electric Aviation Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
- •Focuses on connecting rural populations with hospitals using electric aircraft and air taxis.
- •Plans to launch public demonstrations and infrastructure deployment within 90 days if selected.
- •Aligns with the federal Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy, which targets initial operations by 2027.
The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Aviation has submitted a formal proposal to participate in a new federal initiative aimed at integrating electric aircraft into the national airspace. The state is seeking selection for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Electric Aviation Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a key step in developing the operational framework for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). North Carolina’s proposal focuses on using electric aircraft to address specific public needs, including connecting rural populations with hospitals and transporting goods between underserved communities.
The submission positions North Carolina as a potential early adopter and testbed for next-generation aviation technologies. If selected, the state would become one of at least five government partnerships nationwide to collaborate directly with the FAA and industry stakeholders. This three-year program is designed to collect critical data from real-world operations, which will inform future regulations, infrastructure standards, and air traffic management procedures for AAM.
Program Goals and State Strategy
The FAA's eIPP is structured to create public-private partnerships that can accelerate the safe integration of novel aircraft, including electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles, often referred to as air taxis. North Carolina’s proposal emphasizes practical, public-benefit use cases rather than focusing solely on urban passenger transport.
"This proposal reflects a coordinated approach to connecting rural populations with hospitals that are typically a few counties away," said Julie White, deputy secretary of multimodal transportation at NCDOT. "By using electric aircraft and air taxis, we can help patients in remote areas reach critical care faster, strengthening regional healthcare networks across the state."
According to the proposal details, NCDOT plans to initiate activities within 90 days of selection. These activities would include public demonstrations to build community acceptance and the initial deployment of necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations and potential vertiport sites. This proactive planning aligns with the NCDOT Division of Aviation's previous work, which includes publishing a guidebook for airports on how to prepare for eVTOL and drone services.
Federal Context and National Strategy
North Carolina's bid comes as the federal government works to establish a clear regulatory path for AAM. The eIPP is a direct outcome of the Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy, a 10-year policy vision (2026–2036) released by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This strategy, mandated by the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, provides a federal framework for integrating AAM into the national transportation system.
The national strategy anticipates initial AAM demonstrations and limited operations by 2027, with new operations projected in multiple urban and rural areas by 2030. The eIPP is the mechanism through which the FAA will gather the operational data needed to meet these targets. By participating, North Carolina would directly influence the policies governing the future of the National Airspace System (NAS).
Support for the state's initiative extends to the federal level. "North Carolina is well positioned to help lead the nation with electric aircraft and processes for AAM type certification," said Senator Ted Budd in a statement. "The eIPP will help mature electric aviation from concept to reality."
What Comes Next
The FAA is expected to review proposals from various state, local, and tribal governments before announcing the final selections for the program. The selection of at least five partnerships will mark the official launch of the three-year data-gathering phase.
For North Carolina, a successful bid would trigger its 90-day action plan, initiating a new chapter in the state’s transportation infrastructure. The data collected from these pilot operations will be crucial for the FAA as it develops comprehensive rules for aircraft certification, pilot training, and airspace management for the burgeoning Advanced Air Mobility sector. The program's findings will shape how these innovative aircraft are deployed not just in North Carolina but across the United States.
Why This Matters
This proposal is more than a state-level transportation project; it represents a critical test case for the national AAM strategy. The success of pilot programs like the one proposed by North Carolina will determine the practical viability and regulatory pathway for using electric aircraft for essential public services. The outcomes will directly influence federal investment, infrastructure standards, and the timeline for widespread AAM adoption, signaling a shift from conceptual models to tangible operational realities.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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