Texas Charts its Course: Key Takeaways from the AAM Advisory Committee’s Strategic Blueprint

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Advisory Committee has released its landmark 2024 Report and Recommendations, a document that serves as the state’s definitive roadmap for integrating next-generation aviation into its transportation ecosystem. Mandated by Senate Bill 2144, the report outlines the critical legislative, regulatory, and infrastructure steps required to transition Texas from a testing ground to a commercial hub for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous aviation systems.

This development comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalizes certification rules for powered-lift aircraft and manufacturers approach commercial readiness, states are racing to establish the local frameworks necessary to support operations. The Texas report signals a shift from theoretical planning to actionable policy, positioning the state to capture a significant share of a market projected to reshape urban and regional mobility.

The Strategic Framework: A "Whole-of-Government" Approach

The report emphasizes that successful AAM integration requires coordination across multiple levels of government. It rejects a siloed approach, instead recommending a unified state strategy that aligns the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Office of the Governor, and local municipalities.

Key to this strategy is the recommendation to create a dedicated AAM Office within TxDOT. This office would serve as the central nervous system for the state’s efforts, providing technical support to general aviation airports and ensuring that new infrastructure standards—particularly for vertiports and electric charging—are consistent across the state. This centralization addresses a major industry concern: a fragmented patchwork of local regulations that could stifle scalable operations.

Furthermore, the committee advises creating a specialized position within the Office of the Governor to champion the sector. This role would focus on economic development, aiming to attract Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and supply chain companies to Texas, leveraging the state’s existing aerospace and energy leadership.

Implications for Infrastructure and Cities

For city planners and infrastructure developers, the report offers a pragmatic path forward: start with what exists.

Rather than calling for an immediate, expensive build-out of new skyports in dense urban cores, the findings prioritize leveraging Texas’s extensive network of over nearly 300 general aviation airports. These facilities are identified as the logical "launchpads" for early AAM services, requiring upgrades to support electrification and digital connectivity rather than entirely new real estate acquisition.

Key Infrastructure takeaways include:

• Grid Modernization: The report highlights the urgent need to assess energy capacity at airports to support high-voltage charging for electric aircraft.

• Multimodal Integration: Planners are urged to view AAM nodes not as standalone helipads but as connected mobility hubs that link seamlessly with ground transit and last-mile delivery services.

• Zoning and Land Use: The committee recommends that the state provide guidance to local municipalities to standardize zoning for vertiports, ensuring safety and community acceptance while avoiding regulatory bottlenecks.

Regulatory Alignment and Airspace Integration

While the FAA retains exclusive authority over airspace and aircraft certification, the Texas report clarifies the state's vital role in "ground-up" regulation. It delineates a clear boundary: the federal government controls the skies, but the state and local governments control the ground infrastructure and land use.

The report stresses the importance of harmonizing state laws with federal statutes to prevent preemption issues. It specifically addresses the need to update the definitions in the Texas Transportation Code to include "Advanced Air Mobility" and "powered-lift aircraft," ensuring that these new vehicle types are legally recognized entities eligible for state funding and support.

Timelines and the Path Ahead

The release of this report triggers a legislative phase. The recommendations are intended to inform the 89th Texas Legislature in 2025.

• Short-term (1-2 years): Establishment of the TxDOT AAM Office and the Governor’s industry liaison; legislative updates to transportation codes.

• Medium-term (3-5 years): Infrastructure pilots at select general aviation airports; development of a statewide "digital infrastructure" plan to support autonomous traffic management.

• Long-term (5-10 years): Commercial scaling of passenger and cargo services across major metroplexes like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.

What This Signals for the Next Phase

The publication of the Texas AAM report signals the end of the "novelty" phase of eVTOL development and the beginning of the "implementation" phase. By moving to institutionalize AAM within its Department of Transportation and formally recommending budget allocations for staffing and infrastructure study, Texas is treating Advanced Air Mobility not as a futuristic experiment, but as an imminent modal addition to its transportation network. For investors and OEMs, this provides the regulatory certainty needed to commit capital; for cities, it is the starting gun for serious master planning.