State Dashboards

Alabama is positioning itself as a "Full-Lifecycle" AAM hub—from R&D in Huntsville to final assembly in Mobile. As of January 2026, the state’s strategy, managed by the **Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)** and the **Department of Commerce**, focuses on workforce readiness and the recruitment of innovative AAM OEMs. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Alabama’s roadmap is guided by the **Joint Study Commission on Advanced Air Mobility**, established by **SJR 3 (2023)**. In December 2025, the commission released its final recommendations, which include: - **Centralized AAM Oversight:** Proposed creation of a state-level AAM Coordinator to manage vertiport permitting and federal grant applications. - **Public-Use Vertiport Protections:** New draft legislation for 2026 aims to ensure "reasonable access" to state-funded vertiports, preventing any single manufacturer from securing exclusive landing rights. - **Huntsville R&D Hub:** Leveraging **NASA Marshall Space Flight Center** and **Redstone Arsenal**, Alabama is branding the "Rocket City" as the premier validation site for eVTOL autonomous flight software. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Workforce development is the cornerstone of Alabama’s value proposition to manufacturers like Joby, Archer, and Beta. - **AIDT Training Center:** In late 2025, Alabama’s primary workforce agency began operations at its new **$30 million training center in Decatur**, specifically designed for electric vehicle and emerging aviation technology technicians. - **Mobile Aerospace Cluster:** With **Airbus** expanding its A320 and A220 lines in Mobile, the state is actively marketing the region to AAM OEMs to share a world-class aerospace supply chain and logistics network. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Made in Alabama (Mobility Sector):** [madeinalabama.com/sectors/mobility](https://www.madeinalabama.com/sectors/mobility/) - **ALDOT Bureau of Aeronautics:** [dot.state.al.us](https://www.dot.state.al.us)

Alaska has adopted one of the most specialized AAM strategies in the nation, viewing electric and autonomous aviation not as a luxury, but as a critical necessity for survival and commerce. As of January 2026, the **Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)** is implementing the **Alaska Advanced Air Mobility Strategy (2025–2030)**, which prioritizes community resilience, flight safety, and food security. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Alaska’s strategy is a direct response to unique regional challenges, including the highest rate of midair collisions in the U.S. and extreme rural food insecurity. - **Modernizing the Air Traffic System:** The state is investing in automated surveillance and air traffic systems to maintain continuity during adverse weather—conditions that currently ground 10-20% of flights. - **Infrastructure Retrofits:** DOT&PF is focusing on "Smart Infrastructure" that integrates uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) into the state’s 230+ public airports, ensuring that remote villages can be reached via autonomous cargo pods. - **Regulatory Safety Goals:** The strategic plan sets an ambitious target to reduce aviation accidents by **45%** (from 82 to 37 or fewer annually) by leveraging autonomous detect-and-avoid technologies. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Alaska serves as the ultimate "stress test" for AAM manufacturers focusing on harsh environments and heavy-lift logistics. - **Food Security Pilots:** A 2026 pilot program aims to reduce air-transport food spoilage by **15%** by using temperature-controlled autonomous eVTOLs for "last-mile" delivery to the North Slope and Interior regions. - **Emergency Response:** DOT&PF is testing autonomous aircraft for search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuations, with a goal of improving emergency response times by **30%** in areas inaccessible by road. - **Cold-Weather Certification:** The state is actively courting manufacturers like **Reliable Robotics** and **Beta Technologies** to utilize Alaska’s climate for battery-endurance and icing-protection certification. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Alaska Advanced Air Mobility Strategy (Full PDF):** [alaskaasp.com/AAM-Strategy](https://www.alaskaasp.com/media/5680/alaska_advanced_air_mobility_strategy_2025-2030.pdf) - **DOT&PF 2026 Action Plan:** [dot.alaska.gov/actionplan](https://dot.alaska.gov/actionplan/)

Arizona has emerged as a premier tier-one state for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), leveraging a high-growth economic environment and a climate that supports year-round flight operations. As of December 2025, the **Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)** has transitioned from conceptual study to a statutory framework, positioning the state as a leading hub for eVTOL manufacturing, testing, and commercial service. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The cornerstone of Arizona's strategy is the implementation of **Senate Bill 1307 (2025)**. This landmark legislation, effective in late 2025, mandated the formal integration of AAM into the state’s aviation planning. Key provisions include: - **Statewide AAM Integration:** Requiring ADOT to incorporate vertiport design and electrical charging standards into the **State Aviation System Plan** by September 2026. - **Regulatory Consistency:** The law establishes a state-level framework for vertiport permitting while preempting conflicting local ordinances to ensure a predictable environment for infrastructure developers. - **Dedicated Expertise:** The creation of a **State AAM Subject Matter Expert** position within ADOT to provide technical guidance to municipalities and airport sponsors. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Arizona’s approach is defined by a strong emphasis on public-private collaboration, particularly within the **Phoenix-Mesa** and **Tucson** aerospace corridors. - **Sky Harbor AAM Framework:** The **Phoenix Aviation Department** finalized its **AAM Framework** in December 2025, identifying **Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)**, **Deer Valley (DVT)**, and **Goodyear (GYR)** as the primary nodes for a regional passenger network. - **Regional Connectivity:** Efforts are underway to link high-traffic resort areas in **Scottsdale** and **Sedona** with major airports, aimed at reducing road congestion on the I-17 and Loop 101 corridors. - **Manufacturing Hub:** Arizona continues to attract AAM suppliers, supported by the **Arizona Commerce Authority’s** aggressive recruitment of battery and composite material manufacturers to support the burgeoning eVTOL supply chain. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **ADOT Aeronautics Division:** [azdot.gov/aviation](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://azdot.gov/business/aviation) - **Arizona SB 1307 Legislation:** [azleg.gov/billstatus?BillNumber=1307](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/bills/SB1307P.pdf) - **Phoenix Sky Harbor AAM Framework:** [skyharbor.com/AAM-Framework](https://www.skyharbor.com/media/fr3dvcj0/advanced-air-mobility-framework-executive-summary-12-25.pdf)

Arkansas has rapidly ascended as a premier testbed for AAM, specifically focusing on uncrewed cargo logistics and "middle-mile" delivery. As of January 2026, the **Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)** and the **Arkansas Division of Aeronautics** are executing a strategy that turns the state’s rural geography into a competitive advantage for long-range autonomous flight. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Arkansas is home to the **Northwest Arkansas (NWA) AAM Corridor**, which has become a national model for regional integration. - **Statewide Vertiport Standards:** In December 2025, the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics released its first **Vertiport Design and Siting Guide**, providing local planning commissions with clear standards for landing site infrastructure. - **Legislative Incentives:** The state has implemented aggressive tax credits for AAM companies that relocate their headquarters or manufacturing to Arkansas, helping to secure its status as a leading aerospace employer in the South. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Arkansas’ strategy is heavily influenced by the presence of major retail and logistics giants like Walmart and Tyson Foods. - **Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS):** The state is a leader in BVLOS operations, with a 2026 pilot program launching to connect 15 regional distribution centers using autonomous heavy-lift cargo eVTOLs. - **NWA Council Integration:** The **Northwest Arkansas Council** continues to lead a multi-city effort to integrate AAM into the regional transit plan, connecting **Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale** via a planned network of five primary vertiports. - **Canoo and Beyond:** With companies like **Canoo** establishing a manufacturing presence in the state, Arkansas is building an "Electric Mobility Valley" that spans both ground and air transport. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **ARDOT Planning & AAM:** [ardot.gov/divisions/planning](https://ardot.gov/divisions/planning/electric-vehicle-infrastructure/) - **Arkansas Division of Aeronautics:** [aeronautics.arkansas.gov](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://aeronautics.arkansas.gov)

California enters 2026 as a pivotal testing ground and manufacturing hub for the global Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry. As of December 2025, the state’s strategy, led by the **California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)**, has transitioned from initial study to formal infrastructure planning and workforce development. This approach aligns with the newly released **AAM National Strategy** and the federal **eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)**, positioning California as a primary corridor for early commercial flight. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The cornerstone of California’s current strategy is the **Draft AAM Infrastructure Readiness and Three-Year Implementation Work Plan**, released by Caltrans in late December 2025. Developed pursuant to **Senate Bill 800 (2023)**, the plan outlines the feasibility of converting existing heliports and general aviation airports into a functional vertiport network. A key legislative development in 2025 was the introduction of **Assembly Bill 431**, which seeks to centralize AAM oversight. The bill proposes: - Establishing a **State Subject Matter Expert** for AAM within Caltrans. - Updating the **California Aviation System Plan** to include electric aviation charging standards. - Preempting certain local ordinances to ensure a uniform regulatory environment for vertiport siting. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support California’s strategy heavily leverages public-private partnerships. Major OEMs like **Joby Aviation** and **Archer Aviation** continue to utilize the state's aerospace ecosystem for flight testing and manufacturing. - **Regional Corridors:** In late 2025, a $7.5 million investment from **California Jobs First** was announced to develop the state’s first FAA-compliant multi-airport flight corridor in the Central Coast region. - **eIPP Participation:** California cities, including Huntington Beach and Los Angeles, have submitted applications for the federal eIPP. These programs are designed to validate "Proof of Concept" routes, specifically targeting the **2028 Olympic Games** as a milestone for scaled operations. - **Economic Incentives:** The **California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA)** continues to provide tax benefits to AAM manufacturers, recently approving multi-million dollar sales tax exclusions for production equipment. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources For professionals tracking California’s progress, the following resources provide the technical foundations for the state’s 2026–2030 objectives: - **Caltrans Aeronautics Division (AAM Report):** [dot.ca.gov/programs/aeronautics](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/aeronautics) - **Senate Bill 800 Work Plan:** [California AAM Infrastructure Readiness Draft](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/aeronautics/documents/draft-sb-800-report-public-circulation-v1-final-a11y.pdf) - **Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants:** [2025-2026 Awards](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/transportation-planning/division-of-transportation-planning/regional-and-community-planning/sustainable-transportation-planning-grants)

Colorado is positioning itself as the "High-Altitude Hub" for AAM, leveraging its aerospace-heavy economy and the unique performance-testing requirements of its mountainous terrain. As of January 2026, the **Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics** is implementing its **2025 AAM Comprehensive Plan**, focusing on the "LIFT" (Leverage, Initiate, Forge, Transform) framework to integrate eVTOLs into the state's existing aviation system. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Colorado’s strategy is heavily integrated with its broader sustainability and airport modernization goals. A major milestone in late 2025 was the implementation of **House Bill 24-1235**, which requires airports to submit leaded-fuel phase-out plans by January 1, 2026. - **Regional Air Mobility (RAM) Focus:** The state is prioritizing its network of 66 public-use airports—including high-volume general aviation hubs like **Centennial (APA)** and **Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC)**—to serve as the backbone for inter-city travel. - **Vertical Integration:** The state is currently developing a "Vertiport Permitting Guidebook" for local municipalities, aimed at streamlining the approval process for urban landing sites in the Denver-Aurora-Boulder corridor. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Colorado is a top contender for the federal **eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)**, with applications submitted in December 2025. - **Workforce Development:** The **2026 Aviation Education Grant Program** is now active, providing state funding to schools and private entities that develop AAM-specific curricula and technician training. - - **Search and Rescue (SAR):** CDOT is exploring partnerships with OEMs to pilot eVTOLs for high-altitude medical evacuation and SAR operations, utilizing the aircraft's quiet acoustics to minimize impact on national forest areas. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Colorado Division of Aeronautics:** [codot.gov/programs/aeronautics](https://www.codot.gov/programs/aeronautics) - **2025 Aviation Economic Impact Study:** [coloradoaviationsystem.com/2025-ceis](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.coloradoaviationsystem.com/2025-ceis)

Connecticut is positioning itself as a "multi-modal connector," utilizing its strategic location between the New York and Boston metropolitan areas. As of January 2026, the **Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)** is focusing on integrating Advanced Air Mobility into its **Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan**, with a specific emphasis on relieving surface congestion on the I-95 corridor. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Connecticut’s approach is characterized by "adaptive reuse" of existing aviation assets. The state’s strategy, influenced by the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**, focuses on: - **Coastal Air Corridors:** CTDOT is studying the feasibility of over-water routes from coastal cities like **Stamford, Bridgeport, and New Haven** to Manhattan, leveraging the state's existing heliports and maritime infrastructure. - **Bradley Integration:** As a primary regional hub, **Bradley International Airport (BDL)** has begun planning for a dedicated AAM terminal that links long-haul commercial flights to short-hop eVTOL shuttles across New England. - **Grid and Power Planning:** A 2026 priority involves collaboration with **Eversource** and **United Illuminating** to map the electrical capacity required for megawatt-level eVTOL charging stations at regional airports. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The state is leveraging its deep aerospace manufacturing heritage (home to Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin) to foster a new AAM supply chain. - **Workforce Retraining:** Through the **Connecticut Office of Manufacturing**, new grants were announced in late 2025 to help traditional aerospace suppliers transition to producing lightweight composites and electric propulsion components for eVTOL OEMs. - **U-Space Trials:** In 2026, the state will participate in a regional "digital backbone" pilot to test automated airspace management over the densely populated Fairfield County area. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **CTDOT Bureau of Aviation:** [portal.ct.gov/dot/aviation](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://portal.ct.gov/dot/aviation) - **CAA (Connecticut Airport Authority) AAM Planning:** [ctairports.org](https://ctairports.org)

Delaware is positioning itself as a "First-State" adopter of AAM by focusing on regional integration and the modernization of its transit corridors. As of January 2026, the **Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)** has completed its **AAM Future Outlook Study**, shifting the state’s focus toward the integration of airports and vertiports into the broader Mid-Atlantic transit network. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Delaware’s strategy is characterized by its integration into the existing **Delaware Aviation System Plan**. - **Vertiport Integration:** DelDOT is working to incorporate vertiport siting into current planning frameworks, specifically targeting **Wilmington Airport (ILG)** and **Delaware Airpark (33N)** as primary hubs. - **Grid Modernization:** The Delaware General Assembly’s energy and transportation committees are drafting legislation to support grid upgrades required for high-speed eVTOL charging, ensuring that Delaware can compete with neighboring Maryland and Pennsylvania. - **Economic Forecasting:** The state’s 2025 outlook study conservatively estimates the Delaware AAM market could reach **$150 million** in activity by late 2026, scaling toward a multi-billion dollar sector by 2030. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Delaware is marketing itself as a streamlined, low-friction environment for AAM service providers. - **Regional Connectivity:** DelDOT is exploring AAM as a "shuttle" solution to connect Dover and Wilmington to major regional hubs like Philadelphia International (PHL) and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). - **Corporate and Private Hubs:** Given Delaware’s high density of corporate headquarters, the state is encouraging private developers to include "vertiport-ready" designs in new office parks and logistics centers along the I-95 corridor. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **DelDOT AAM Future Outlook Study:** [deldot.gov/AAM-Future-Outlook](https://deldot.gov/Programs/aeronautics/pdfs/sys_plan/Advanced%20Air%20Mobility%20(AAM)%20Future%20Outlook%20Study.pdf) - **Delaware Aeronautics System Plan:** [deldot.gov/aeronautics](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://deldot.gov/Programs/aeronautics/index.shtml%3Fdc%3Daeronautics_plans)

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Florida has emerged as the leading competitor to California for AAM dominance, utilizing a "business-first" regulatory environment and significant state funding. As of December 2025, the **Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)** has integrated AAM into its broader **Florida Transportation Plan (FTP)**, focusing on inter-city connectivity and airport-to-city center links. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Florida’s strategy is distinguished by massive capital allocation. In late 2025, the state reaffirmed the deployment of a portion of its **$4 billion transportation infrastructure surplus** toward multi-modal hubs that specifically include eVTOL charging and landing requirements. - **Statewide Vertiport Handbook:** FDOT is currently finalizing a standardized handbook for local municipalities to streamline zoning and land-use permits for vertiports. - **Legislative Support:** Building on previous sessions, the Florida legislature has prioritized "open-access" infrastructure, ensuring that state-funded vertiports can serve multiple OEMs rather than being exclusive to one manufacturer. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Florida is the primary launch site for **Archer Aviation**, which in **December 2025** officially unveiled its **Miami Metropolitan Air Taxi Network**. - **Regional Corridors:** The Archer network will connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Key nodes include **Hard Rock Stadium** and a flagship vertiport in downtown West Palm Beach developed with **Related Ross**. - **Research and Noise Mitigation:** The **University of Central Florida (UCF)**, in partnership with NASA, received a late-2025 grant to study AAM noise footprints at the **Ocala International Airport**, providing data to help cities refine local noise ordinances. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **FDOT Aviation Division:** [fdot.gov/aviation](https://www.fdot.gov/aviation) - **Florida AAM News & Policy:** [fdot.gov/aviation/aam](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.fdot.gov/aviation/aam)

Georgia has solidified its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse for the AAM industry, successfully transitioning from a "business-friendly" prospect to an active production hub. As of December 2025, the **Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)** has formalized its oversight of the sector, focusing on integrating high-volume manufacturing with urban and regional flight networks. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework A landmark shift occurred with the passage of **House Bill 156**, which became effective in mid-2025. The law explicitly grants GDOT authority over the planning and development of **vertiports**, providing a unified state-level framework for safety and design standards. - **Statewide AAM Blueprint:** GDOT’s Aeronautics Division has released its **Blueprint for AAM**, which outlines four strategic goals: legislative modernization, community integration, infrastructure readiness, and economic development. - **Local Preemption:** The state has moved to prevent a "patchwork" of local regulations, ensuring that vertiport zoning follows FAA-aligned state guidelines to facilitate a seamless network between Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Georgia is home to one of the world’s most significant AAM production assets. - **Archer Aviation’s "ARC" Facility:** In late 2025, Archer received the certificate of occupancy for its 400,000-square-foot high-volume manufacturing facility in **Covington**. Production of the "Midnight" aircraft is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with a long-term goal of producing 650 aircraft annually in partnership with Stellantis. - **Regional Demonstrations:** Archer and **Atlantic Aviation** have begun infrastructure planning at **DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK)** to serve as a primary node for a planned Atlanta metro air taxi network. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **GDOT AAM Study & Blueprint:** [dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/AAM.aspx](http://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/AAM.aspx) - **Georgia House Bill 156 (Vertiport Authority):** [LegiScan GA HB156](https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HB156/2025)

Hawaii is uniquely positioned to benefit from AAM, viewing it as a solution for zero-emission inter-island connectivity and "regenerative tourism." As of January 2026, the **Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)** is executing its **2025 Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan**, which identifies the electrification of aviation as a primary lever for the state’s 2045 net-negative carbon goal. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Hawaii’s strategy focuses on transforming its "island-hop" economy into a sustainable electric corridor. Key regulatory and infrastructure goals include: - **Inter-Island Electrification:** HDOT is prioritizing the deployment of airfield electrification strategies to support "middle-mile" passenger and cargo flights between islands. - **SAF Tax Credits:** To bridge the gap until full battery-electric fleets are certified, the state is implementing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) tax credits to incentivize lower-emission flights for current turbine aircraft. - **Airport Modernization:** On January 5, 2026, **Hawaiian Airlines** (following its merger into Alaska Air Group) unveiled the **$600 million Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan**, which includes modernizing technology and facilities to support the next generation of lower-emission aircraft. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The state is a primary candidate for "over-water" use cases defined in the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**. - **Priority Multimodal Network:** Launched in November 2025, this HDOT initiative aims to fill gaps in transit and pedestrian access, providing the ground-side "last-mile" infrastructure necessary for future urban vertiport nodes. - **Tourism and Conservation:** Hawaii is exploring AAM for "low-impact" tourism, allowing visitors to reach remote areas without the noise footprint of traditional helicopters, while also assisting in native reforestation and coastal restoration via drone-seeding operations. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **HDOT Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan:** [hidot.hawaii.gov/ESWRP-2025](https://hidot.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FINAL-ESWRP-2025-10-15.pdf) - **HDOT Multimodal Network:** [highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/Priority-Multimodal](https://highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/5-Year-Priority-Multimodal-Network/4p37-hj62)

Idaho is leveraging its high growth and extensive general aviation (GA) network to become a leader in Regional Air Mobility (RAM). As of January 2026, the **Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Aeronautics** is integrating AAM into its **2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan**, focusing on rural connectivity and emergency response. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Idaho’s strategy is built on its status as one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., requiring new ways to move people and goods across its rugged terrain. - **Airport Electrification:** ITD is reviewing its **120+ public-use airports** for electrical capacity upgrades, aiming to create a "charging spine" that allows eVTOL and eCTOL aircraft to cross the state with minimal range anxiety. - **Carbon Reduction Strategy:** Under the **2024/2025 Carbon Reduction Strategy**, Idaho is identifying AAM as a key technology for reducing transportation-related emissions in the Boise and Twin Falls urban corridors. - **Land Use and Zoning:** The state is developing guidance for local municipalities to protect approach and departure paths for future vertiports, ensuring that urban sprawl does not inhibit AAM flight corridors. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Idaho is targeting "mission-driven" aviation, particularly in the sectors of agriculture and emergency services. - **Rural Medical Delivery:** A 2026 pilot framework is being developed to connect rural Idaho communities to trauma centers in Boise using autonomous cargo eVTOLs for the rapid transport of blood products and medical kits. - **Agricultural Innovation:** The state is facilitating uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for large-scale crop monitoring and precision spraying, providing the operational data needed to validate larger AAM platforms in 2027. - **Aviation Art and Workforce:** To build the future workforce, the **2026 Aviation Art Contest** is currently engaging K-12 students with the theme "Around the World in a Plane," mirroring the federal strategy to build an AAM talent pipeline from an early age. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **ITD Aeronautics Planning:** [itd.idaho.gov/planning](https://itd.idaho.gov/planning/) - **Idaho 2040 Long-Range Plan:** [itd.idaho.gov/2040-Plan](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://itd.idaho.gov/planning/idaho-long-range-transportation-plan/)

Illinois is positioning itself as the Midwest’s primary AAM hub, focusing on high-density urban air taxi operations in the Chicago metropolitan area and regional medical logistics. As of January 2026, the **Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)** is moving into the implementation phase of its **Illinois AAM System Plan**, released in late 2025. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The state’s strategy is built on the findings of its 2025 System Plan, which forecasted that Chicago will capture nearly **88% of all AAM trips** in the state. - **Leveraging Existing Assets:** IDOT is prioritizing the repurposing of existing heliports and general aviation airports, such as **Vertiport Chicago** and **Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)**, to serve as early nodes in a "Phase 1" rollout. - **Legislative Alignment:** IDOT is working with the General Assembly to update state aviation statutes to include definitions for "powered-lift" aircraft and "vertiports," ensuring a unified regulatory environment for local municipalities. - **Energy Planning:** A key component of the 2026 roadmap is a partnership with **ComEd** to assess grid capacity at high-priority landing sites in the Loop and O’Hare corridors. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Illinois is focusing on AAM as a tool for critical healthcare logistics and business travel. - **Medical Hub Operations:** In late 2025, a pilot framework was established to test eVTOL transport for organ delivery and emergency medical supplies between the **Illinois Medical District** and regional suburban hospitals. - **eIPP Interest:** The City of Chicago and IDOT have expressed intent to participate in the federal **eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)** to validate high-tempo commuter routes that could bypass the city's significant surface congestion. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Illinois AAM System Plan (Executive Summary):** [ilaviation.com/aam-system-plan](https://www.ilaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Executive-Summary-July-2025_FINAL-1.pdf) - **IDOT Bureau of Aviation:** [idot.illinois.gov/aviation](https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/transportation-improvement-programs/airport-improvement-program.html)

Indiana is positioning itself as a "Logistics First" AAM hub, leveraging its massive manufacturing base and the research power of Purdue University. As of January 2026, the **Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)** is operationalizing its **AAM Integration Roadmap**, which focuses on connecting the state’s 64 public-use airports to a high-speed regional cargo and passenger network. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Indiana’s strategy is distinguished by its focus on "Rural-to-Urban" supply chain links. Following the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**, the state has prioritized: - **The "Innovation Corridor":** INDOT is funding the electrification of regional airports along the I-65 and I-70 corridors to facilitate eVTOL cargo flights between Indianapolis and secondary markets like Fort Wayne and Evansville. - **Vertiport Zoning Standards:** The Indiana General Assembly is reviewing a 2026 proposal to standardize local zoning for "hybrid heliports," ensuring that municipalities can safely approve rooftop and parking-garage landing sites without conflicting with state aviation laws. - **Purdue Research Hub:** **Purdue University** remains a primary R&D partner, utilizing its dedicated aerospace district to validate propulsion and autonomous flight software for the FAA. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The **Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)** is aggressively recruiting AAM suppliers to the state's "LEAP" Innovation District. - **Regional Cargo Pilot:** A 2026 pilot program is scheduled to test uncrewed eVTOL deliveries for time-sensitive automotive parts, aiming to reduce middle-mile transit times for the state's heavy manufacturing sector. - **AAM Workforce Initiative:** In late 2025, the state launched a $5 million grant program to develop AAM maintenance and remote-pilot certification courses at Indiana’s community colleges. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **INDOT Office of Aviation:** [in.gov/indot/aviation](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.in.gov/indot/about-indot/central-office/multimodal-planning/aviation/) - **IEDC Mobility Sector:** [iedc.in.gov/industries/future-mobility](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://iedc.in.gov/industries/future-mobility)

Iowa is adopting a "Community-Centric" AAM strategy, viewing electric aviation as a vital tool for rural healthcare and agricultural efficiency. As of January 2026, the **Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT)** is implementing the findings of its **2025 AAM Economic Impact and Safety Study**, which identifies medical delivery as the state's most immediate use case. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Iowa’s strategy is integrated into the **FY 2026-2030 Iowa Transportation Improvement Program**. - **Aviation Program Funding:** The Iowa Transportation Commission recently approved **$9.6 million** for the FY 2026 State Aviation Program, with specific allocations for vertical infrastructure and safety enhancements at 25 regional airports. - **Land-Use Planning:** Iowa DOT is providing technical assistance to rural airport sponsors to help them mitigate obstruction hazards and secure "AAM-ready" land-use permits for future vertiport pads. - **Inter-Modal Integration:** The state is focusing on "multimodal stewardship," ensuring that new AAM landing zones are co-located with existing rail and trucking hubs to create seamless cargo transfer points. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Iowa is utilizing its "First-in-the-Nation" spirit to pilot AAM in the agricultural and medical sectors. - **Rural Medical Delivery:** A 2026 pilot program aims to connect rural clinics to major trauma centers in Des Moines and Iowa City, testing the use of small eVTOLs for the rapid transport of blood products and emergency prescriptions. - **Ag-Tech Synergies:** The state is facilitating the use of heavy-lift autonomous drones for precision agriculture, providing the flight-hour data needed to eventually certify larger passenger-carrying AAM aircraft in rural airspace. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Iowa DOT Aviation Bureau:** [iowadot.gov/aviation](https://iowadot.gov/modes-travel/aviation/state-aviation-program) - **Iowa 2026-2030 Transportation Program:** [iowadot.gov/program\_management](https://iowadot.gov/program_management/2025-29-Transportation-Improvement-FINAL.pdf)

Kansas is positioning itself as an "Emerging Technology Powerhouse," leveraging its deep-rooted aviation heritage in Wichita to lead the nation in AAM manufacturing and regional logistics. As of January 2026, the **Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Division of Aviation** is actively implementing the **Kansas AAM Roadmap**, unveiled in late 2025 to harmonize the state’s 146 public airports into a cohesive mobility network. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The Kansas strategy is built on the results of the **2025 AAM Economic Impact Study**, which projects the sector will contribute over **$10 billion to the state's GDP** by 2050. - **Network Nodes:** Initial operations are slated to leverage Kansas’ eight **Part 139 airports**, including Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National (ICT) and Topeka Regional (FOE), as primary charging and maintenance hubs. - **Emerging Aviation Technology Working Group:** This collaborative body, consisting of government, academia, and industry leaders, meets monthly to refine state-level regulations on vertiport siting and local airspace management. - **Manufacturing & MRO:** Kansas is specifically targeting the AAM **Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)** market, utilizing its existing specialized workforce to support the next generation of electric aircraft. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Kansas’ strategy focuses on "Mission-Critical" use cases that provide immediate value to its vast rural landscape. - **Precision Agriculture:** KDOT is facilitating large-scale pilot programs for drone-based crop spraying and infrastructure inspection, serving as a data foundation for larger eVTOL platforms. - **Rural Medical Access:** In 2026, the state is prioritizing "Hospitals of the Future" initiatives, exploring the use of AAM to transport medical staff and critical supplies to underserved western Kansas communities. - **Research Leadership:** K-State Salina and Wichita State University continue to lead FAA-funded research into **Simplified Vehicle Operations (SVO)** to lower the barriers to entry for new AAM pilots. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Kansas AAM Roadmap & Strategy:** [aviation.ks.gov/aam.html](https://aviation.ks.gov/aam.html) - **KDOT Division of Aviation:** [ksdot.gov/aviation](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.ksdot.org/divaviation/default.asp)

Kentucky is executing a strategy that bridges its leadership in electric vehicle (EV) battery production with advanced aerospace technology. As of January 2026, the **Kentucky Department of Aviation (KDA)** is implementing recommendations from the **2025 Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force**, focusing on workforce development and the "electrification" of the Appalachian region. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Kentucky’s strategy is characterized by aggressive investment in energy infrastructure. - **The AERO Act:** The state has allocated **$15 million** to the Kentucky Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense Investment Fund to provide grants for AAM infrastructure and workforce training. - **Regional Charging Partnerships:** Kentucky is a key partner in a tri-state initiative with **Ohio and North Carolina**, utilizing an Appalachian Region Commission grant to install 3-phase electric charging infrastructure at rural general aviation airports. - **Modernization Study:** A 2026 state-led study is currently identifying gaps in electricity, fuel, and data storage at Kentucky’s 58 public-use airports to prepare for the first commercial eVTOL routes. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Kentucky is marketing its status as the "EV Battery Capital" to attract AAM manufacturers looking for localized supply chains. - **eIPP Partnership:** Kentucky is a collaborative partner with Ohio in the federal **eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)**, focused on establishing cross-border flight corridors. - **Low-Cost Flight Training:** KDA has launched an initiative to install chargers at three airports specifically for the **Pipistrel Velis Electro**, aiming to reduce pilot training costs by up to 75% compared to traditional fuel-powered aircraft. - **BlueOval SK Synergy:** The state is leveraging the massive battery manufacturing facilities in Hardin and Warren counties to support research into high-density power cells for long-range eVTOL flight. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **KDA AAM Overview:** [transportation.ky.gov/Aviation/AAM](https://transportation.ky.gov/Aviation/Documents/KDA%20AAM%20-%20Website%20Overview.pdf) - **KY Air Mobility Task Force Report:** [kychamber.com/AAM-2025-Report](https://kychamberbottomline.com/2025/12/03/task-force-provides-recommendations-to-strengthen-kentuckys-aviation-industry/)

Louisiana is leveraging its unique industrial landscape—specifically the offshore energy sector and its extensive river networks—to lead the nation in specialized AAM use cases. As of January 2026, the **Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)** is implementing the **2025 Louisiana Aviation System Plan (LASP)**, which formally integrates AAM as a pillar for economic growth through 2055. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Louisiana’s strategy is defined by the "AAM Statewide Framework," a multi-agency effort to modernize the state's 60+ public-use airports. - **Vertical Integration:** DOTD is developing a specific **Vertiport Permitting and Planning Guidance** manual, intended to help local parishes standardize the zoning process for urban landing sites in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. - **Asset Repurposing:** A 2026 priority is the "AAM Readiness Audit," identifying existing heliports and coastal airstrips that can be retrofitted with electric charging to support the state's $100 billion energy industry. - **Multimodal Linkages:** The state is focusing on Goal #2 of the LASP: expanding access through multimodal commerce linkages, ensuring that future vertiports are co-located with ports and rail terminals. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Louisiana is positioning itself as a primary testing ground for "Industrial AAM"—the use of eVTOLs for high-stakes logistics and emergency response. - **Offshore Servicing:** A 2026 pilot program is exploring the use of eVTOLs to replace traditional helicopters for crew transfers and parts delivery to **offshore oil and gas platforms** in the Gulf of Mexico, aiming to reduce operational costs and emissions. - **Resiliency and Disaster Response:** Given the state's vulnerability to extreme weather, DOTD is testing uncrewed cargo pods for the delivery of emergency supplies to "cut-off" communities following hurricane events. - **Workforce Development:** Louisiana is expanding aviation education and industry-school partnerships to train the next generation of AAM technicians, particularly in the maintenance of electric propulsion systems. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Louisiana Aviation System Plan (LASP):** [dotd.la.gov/system-plan-2025](https://dotd.la.gov/media/2unki12k/system-plan-2025-executive-summary.pdf) - **DOTD Strategic Plan (FY 2026-2031):** [dotd.la.gov/fy-26-31-strategic-plan](https://dotd.la.gov/media/qkohegng/dotd-fy-26-31-strategic-plan.pdf)

Maine is adopting a "Regional Air Mobility" (RAM) strategy, focusing on its vast geography and isolated coastal communities. As of January 2026, the **Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT)** is aligning its goals with the **Federal AAM National Strategy (Dec 2025)**, prioritizing the "middle-mile" delivery of goods and regional passenger transport. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Maine’s strategy centers on "Climate Resilient Infrastructure." While the state does not yet have a standalone AAM office, its transportation planning is increasingly focused on the electrification of its aviation network. - **Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF):** The 2026 fund, totaling **$13.8 million**, supports the retrofitting of critical infrastructure. While primarily focused on climate resilience, it provides the foundation for "green" airport upgrades required for electric aviation. - **Regional Hub Connectivity:** MaineDOT is studying how AAM can better connect Portland, Bangor, and Augusta to major regional centers like Boston and Montreal, effectively bypassing the constraints of its seasonal road traffic. - **Small Airport Strategy:** The state is exploring the use of its 30+ small regional airports as "Micro-Vertiports," providing a low-cost entry point for cargo eVTOLs to serve rural northern counties. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Maine benefits from its proximity to the New England aerospace cluster, particularly the testing operations of **BETA Technologies**. - **Middle-Mile Cargo Pilot:** A 2026 pilot program is in development to test autonomous "pod" deliveries of essential goods and mail to Maine's inhabited islands, reducing reliance on seasonal ferry schedules. - **Organ and Medical Transport:** Following the **eIPP (eVTOL Integration Pilot Program)** guidelines, Maine is exploring a public-private partnership to speed up the transport of life-saving medical supplies between the **MaineHealth** network and specialized facilities in Boston. - **Sustainable Forestry Logistics:** The state is evaluating heavy-lift drones and AAM platforms for environmental monitoring and high-precision logistics within the Maine forest products economy. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **MaineDOT Strategic Initiatives:** [maine.gov/dot/projects/planning](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.maine.gov/dot/projects/planning/docs/2024/MaineDOT_Strategic_Plan_2024.pdf) - **Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (2026):** [maine.gov/dot/climate-initiative](https://www.maine.gov/dot/programs-services/environmental-efforts/climate-initiative/adaptation)

Maryland is positioning itself as a national model for aeromedical and emergency response AAM, leveraging its world-class medical institutions and unique geographic location on the Eastern Seaboard. As of January 2026, the **Maryland Advanced Air Mobility Council**, established by **Governor Wes Moore’s 2025 Executive Order**, has released its final strategic recommendations to guide the state’s transition into a commercial AAM hub. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The cornerstone of Maryland’s strategy is a **phased roadmap** designed to integrate AAM into the state's existing multi-modal transportation network. - **Leveraging Regional Airports:** The **Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA)** is currently mapping the mobility needs of the state to the capabilities of its regional airports, identifying which facilities are best suited for early eVTOL and RAM (Regional Air Mobility) deployment. - **Digital Infrastructure Investment:** A key 2026 objective is the investment in "digital backbones" required to support public service uses, particularly for law enforcement and joint military/civilian emergency response. - **Regulatory Predictability:** The Council has recommended a unified state licensing and registration framework for commercial AAM facilities to ensure consistency for private operators like **Joby** and **Archer**. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Maryland’s pilot programs are uniquely focused on "high-impact" public service use cases. - **Aeromedical Corridor:** Building on the state's existing emergency medical system, a 2026 pilot program aims to demonstrate the use of eVTOLs for organ delivery and rapid patient transfer between Baltimore-area hospitals and the Eastern Shore. - **Military Integration:** The state is actively working to retain flying missions by demonstrating how AAM can support the **Maryland Military Department** in logistics and disaster response. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Maryland AAM Council Recommendations (Dec 2025):** [mdot.maryland.gov/AAM-Council-Report](https://mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/newsroomdetails.aspx?newsId=1036&PageId=38) - **MAA AAM Initial Findings:** [marylandaviation.com/AAM-Findings](https://marylandaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Maryland-Advanced-Air-Mobility-Report-Final-Report.pdf)

Massachusetts is leveraging its world-class research ecosystem and complex geography—specifically its island communities and coastal regions—to lead in Regional Air Mobility (RAM). As of January 2026, the **Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division** is executing its **2026–2030 Capital Investment Plan (CIP)**, which for the first time integrates AAM as a core component of the state’s multimodal transportation strategy. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The state's strategy focuses on "hub-and-spoke" connectivity. MassDOT is prioritizing the electrification of its 35 public-use airports to support zero-emission regional travel. - **Capital Investment Plan (SFY 2026):** The current CIP, effective July 2025, allocates funding for the installation of universal electric aircraft charging stations at key gateway airports, including **Logan International (BOS)** and **Worcester Regional (ORH)**. - **Municipal Planning Grants:** In late 2025, MassDOT launched a technical assistance program for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to help cities like Boston and Cambridge incorporate vertiport zoning into their 2026-2030 long-range plans. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Massachusetts is a primary site for testing cold-weather battery performance and over-water autonomous flight. - **Island Connectivity Pilot:** A 2026 pilot program is in development to connect the mainland to **Martha’s Vineyard** and **Nantucket** using hybrid-electric aircraft, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of essential cargo and passenger transport. - **Medical Flight Corridors:** MassDOT is collaborating with the **Longwood Medical Area** to study "roof-to-roof" organ and specimen transport, utilizing the state's existing heliport network as a blueprint for early vertiport nodes. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **MassDOT Aeronautics Division:** [mass.gov/orgs/massdot-aeronautics-division](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massdot-aeronautics-division) - **2026-2030 Capital Investment Plan:** [mass.gov/info-details/current-capital-investment-plan-cip](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/current-capital-investment-plan-cip)

Michigan has rapidly emerged as a top-tier AAM state by applying its automotive "mass production" DNA to the aerospace sector. In July 2025, Governor Whitmer signed **Executive Directive 2025-4**, establishing the **Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Initiative**, which deployed over $40M by December 2025 to scale testing and production. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Michigan’s strategy is managed by the **Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME)**. The state focuses on "Innovation Zones" that provide turnkey testing environments. - **M-Air Skyway:** A 40-mile research flight corridor now links the **University of Michigan** in Ann Arbor to **Michigan Central** in Detroit, facilitating urban AAM testing. - **NorthSky Uncrewed Innovation Zone:** Based in Traverse City, this hub focuses on regional logistics and environmental monitoring, having secured over $30M in combined state and federal funding. - **BVLOS Corridors:** Michigan is aggressively expanding its BVLOS-capable airspace across nine active test sites, including the **Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center**. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The **AAM Activation Fund** recently awarded $4.1 million to several high-impact pilot programs: - **Medical Logistics:** **CVS Health** is piloting drone-based specialty medication delivery in Troy, while **Traverse Connect** and **Munson Healthcare** are scaling medical supply flights in rural northern Michigan. - **Automotive Supply Chain:** **Jack Demmer Automotive Group** has launched a pilot for rapid automotive parts delivery within a 12-mile radius in metro Detroit. - **Manufacturer Relocation:** **Birdstop** recently moved its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Detroit to leverage the state’s prototyping grants and manufacturing supply chain. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Michigan AAM Initiative (OFME):** [michiganbusiness.org/aam](https://www.michiganbusiness.org/ofme/advanced-air-mobility/) - **Executive Directive 2025-4:** [State of Michigan AAM Order](https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/state-orders-and-directives/2025/07/17/executive-directive-2025-4-establishing-the-michigan-advanced-air-mobility-initiative)

Maine is adopting a "Regional Air Mobility" (RAM) strategy, focusing on its vast geography and isolated coastal communities. As of January 2026, the **Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT)** is aligning its goals with the **Federal AAM National Strategy (Dec 2025)**, prioritizing the "middle-mile" delivery of goods and regional passenger transport. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Maine’s strategy centers on "Climate Resilient Infrastructure." While the state does not yet have a standalone AAM office, its transportation planning is increasingly focused on the electrification of its aviation network. - **Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF):** The 2026 fund, totaling **$13.8 million**, supports the retrofitting of critical infrastructure. While primarily focused on climate resilience, it provides the foundation for "green" airport upgrades required for electric aviation. - **Regional Hub Connectivity:** MaineDOT is studying how AAM can better connect Portland, Bangor, and Augusta to major regional centers like Boston and Montreal, effectively bypassing the constraints of its seasonal road traffic. - **Small Airport Strategy:** The state is exploring the use of its 30+ small regional airports as "Micro-Vertiports," providing a low-cost entry point for cargo eVTOLs to serve rural northern counties. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Maine benefits from its proximity to the New England aerospace cluster, particularly the testing operations of **BETA Technologies**. - **Middle-Mile Cargo Pilot:** A 2026 pilot program is in development to test autonomous "pod" deliveries of essential goods and mail to Maine's inhabited islands, reducing reliance on seasonal ferry schedules. - **Organ and Medical Transport:** Following the **eIPP (eVTOL Integration Pilot Program)** guidelines, Maine is exploring a public-private partnership to speed up the transport of life-saving medical supplies between the **MaineHealth** network and specialized facilities in Boston. - **Sustainable Forestry Logistics:** The state is evaluating heavy-lift drones and AAM platforms for environmental monitoring and high-precision logistics within the Maine forest products economy. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **MaineDOT Strategic Initiatives:** [maine.gov/dot/projects/planning](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.maine.gov/dot/projects/planning/docs/2024/MaineDOT_Strategic_Plan_2024.pdf) - **Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (2026):** [maine.gov/dot/climate-initiative](https://www.maine.gov/dot/programs-services/environmental-efforts/climate-initiative/adaptation)

Mississippi is adopting a "Modernization-First" strategy, integrating AAM into its broader infrastructure and freight goals. As of January 2026, the **Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)** is operationalizing its **Five-Year State Strategic Plan (FY 2026–2030)**, which emphasizes the preservation and modernization of the state's transportation system to enhance economic stability. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Mississippi’s strategy is characterized by its focus on intermodal connectivity and the utilization of federal infrastructure funding. - **Modernization Goals:** The 2026-2030 Strategic Plan specifically lists the modernization of the state’s transportation system and the fostering of "effective transportation partnerships" as core objectives. This includes ensuring that Mississippi’s airports are adequate to meet the future needs of the business community. - **Statewide Freight Plan Update:** MDOT is currently updating its **Statewide Freight Plan**, scheduled for completion in **Fall 2026**. This update is expected to incorporate low-altitude cargo delivery and AAM logistics as a means to improve reliability and reduce congestion on primary freight corridors. - - **Federal Alignment:** Mississippi is leveraging the **Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)** through 2026 to address the backlog of airport and bridge maintenance, creating the physical stability required for future vertiport integration. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The state is marketing its low-cost operating environment and existing aerospace infrastructure to attract AAM startups. - **Economic Development Focus:** Through the **Mississippi Development Authority**, the state is targeting AAM as a growth sector for its "Aerospace and Defense" cluster, particularly in the Stennis Space Center and Golden Triangle regions. - **Emergency Response Integration:** Aligning with the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**, MDOT is evaluating how AAM can improve emergency response times for natural and man-made disasters, a key benchmark in the state's latest strategic plan. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **MDOT 2026-2030 Strategic Plan:** [lbo.ms.gov/FY26-Mississippi-Strategic-Plan](https://www.lbo.ms.gov/misc/strategic/FY26/941-00-plan.pdf) - **MDOT Freight Planning:** [mdot.ms.gov/portal/freight](https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/freight)

Missouri is positioning itself as a central multimodal logistics hub, utilizing its extensive interstate and rail networks to anchor a new Regional Air Mobility (RAM) framework. As of January 2026, the **Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)** is operationalizing its **FY 2026-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)**, which allocates a historic $13.3 billion toward transportation modernization, including critical investments in the state's aviation and multimodal infrastructure. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Missouri’s AAM strategy is integrated into its broader commitment to "Multimodal Operations." Following the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**, MoDOT has prioritized: - **Airport System Modernization:** The current STIP includes dedicated funding for improvements at Missouri’s 100+ public-use airports, focusing on runway enhancements and the installation of electric charging infrastructure to support early eVTOL operations. - **Corridor Studies:** MoDOT is utilizing General Revenue funds to conduct environmental and feasibility studies on high-traffic corridors, specifically looking at air taxi routes that parallel **I-70** and **I-44** to alleviate surface congestion. - **V2X Integration:** Missouri is a leader in **Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)** technology, which the state is now adapting to include aerial nodes, ensuring seamless communication between ground transit and low-altitude aircraft. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Missouri’s strategy focuses on "Middle-Mile" cargo and the "electrification" of the state's logistics chain. - **Freight Enhancement Pilots:** In 2026, the state is launching a series of pilot projects under the **Freight Enhancement Program** to test the use of autonomous heavy-lift drones for connecting distribution centers in St. Louis and Kansas City. - **Workforce Readiness:** Missouri is leveraging its aerospace manufacturing base to develop specialized AAM technician certifications at its community colleges, ensuring a local talent pipeline for OEMs entering the Midwest market. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **MoDOT 2026-2030 STIP:** [modot.org/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.modot.gov/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip) - **MoDOT Multimodal Operations:** [modot.org/multimodal-operations](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.modot.org/multimodal-operations)

Montana is adopting a "Resilient Rural Mobility" strategy, viewing AAM as a vital tool for bridging vast distances and improving public safety. As of January 2026, the **Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)** is executing its **FY 2026 Annual Plan**, which prioritizes the use of emerging technologies to enhance infrastructure readiness and emergency response in mountainous and isolated regions. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Montana’s strategy centers on the "Aeronautics Program," which manages the state’s airway infrastructure and safety systems. - **2026 Freight Plan Update:** MDT officially began its **2026 Freight Plan Update** in late 2025, which for the first time includes a dedicated section on low-altitude cargo delivery and the role of AAM in supporting the state’s agriculture and resource economies. - **UAS Hazard Monitoring:** Through the federal **SMART Grant program**, Montana is deploying a UAS-enabled hazard monitoring system that uses aerial sensors to warn travelers of road hazards, serving as a precursor to fully integrated AAM traffic management. - **Airway Safety:** A 2026 priority is the modernization of Montana’s search and rescue (SAR) and weather reporting assets to support all-weather AAM operations. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Montana is marketing its vast, low-complexity airspace as a "natural laboratory" for autonomous and long-range AAM testing. - **Rural Medical Delivery:** A 2026 pilot program is exploring the use of eVTOLs to speed up the delivery of emergency medical supplies and organs across the state’s vast "frontier" counties. - **Work Zone Innovation:** MDT is currently piloting UAS-enabled traffic monitoring in work zones to live-stream conditions to the Traffic Management Center (TMC), validating the data-link technologies required for larger-scale passenger AAM. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **MDT FY 2026 Annual Plan:** [mdt.mt.gov/annual-plan-fy26](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/docs/MDT-Annual-Plan-FY26.pdf) - **2026 Montana Freight Plan Update:** [mdt.mt.gov/freightplan/2026-update](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/freightplan/2026-update.aspx)

Nebraska is adopting a "Smart Infrastructure" approach to Advanced Air Mobility, focusing on the preservation and modernization of its vast rural and metropolitan transportation networks. As of January 2026, the **Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)** is leveraging new legislative tools to prepare the state for the next generation of aviation, emphasizing federal funding acquisition and digital project delivery. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Nebraska’s strategic foundation was significantly bolstered by **Legislative Bill 558 (2025)**, which created the **Infrastructure Review Task Force**. - **Federal Funding Research:** The task force is explicitly mandated to research available federal funding—including **AAM Infrastructure Pilot Program** grants—to make recommendations on how Nebraska can secure the resources needed for vertiport development. - **Modernizing Business Practices:** NDOT is transitioning to **digital project delivery**, a move intended to expedite the infrastructure timelines for regional airports that will serve as early AAM nodes. - **Smart Financing:** In early 2025, the state approved its first bond issuance for major corridor completion, signaling a shift toward more aggressive infrastructure investment that can accommodate emerging mobility technologies. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Nebraska is focusing on AAM as a tool for agricultural efficiency and regional connectivity. - **Metro Area Travel Improvement (MTIS):** While primarily focused on ground congestion in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, the MTIS framework is being evaluated for potential low-altitude flight corridors to provide relief to the state's largest economic hub. - **Workforce and Safety:** NDOT remains dedicated to increasing safety for the traveling public by integrating automated monitoring systems into its 2026–2030 Five-Year Planning Program. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **NDOT Surface Transportation Program (FY 2026):** [dot.nebraska.gov/projects/program-book-2026](https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/program-book-2026/) - **Nebraska LB 558 (Task Force):** [nebraskalegislature.gov/LB558](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LB558.pdf)

Nevada is utilizing its vast open-airspace and status as an **FAA-designated UAS Test Site** to lead the nation in autonomous AAM validation. Managed by the **Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT)** and the **Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)**, the state strategy focuses on testing, certification support, and desert-to-urban logistics. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Nevada’s strategy is characterized by "Innovation Sandboxes." In December 2025, the state updated its **Aerospace & Defense Sector Plan** to specifically prioritize AAM manufacturing and testing. - **Standardized Testing Grounds:** The **Reno-Stead Airport** and **Boulder City Municipal Airport** have been designated as primary validation sites for eVTOL detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems. - **Statewide Research Solicitation:** For the **2026 Federal Fiscal Year**, NDOT has issued a formal solicitation for research proposals aimed at solving AAM integration challenges, including desert climate battery performance and high-altitude flight stability. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Nevada is a magnet for OEMs seeking uncrewed and autonomous flight data. - **Autonomous Logistics:** A 2026 pilot program is being developed to connect **Las Vegas** with surrounding master-planned communities like **Summerlin** via uncrewed cargo eVTOLs for "last-mile" delivery. - **Workforce Development:** Through the **WINN (Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada)** program, the state is funding specialized training for AAM technicians and remote pilots at the **College of Southern Nevada** and **UNR**. - **Public-Private Partnerships:** Nevada continues to work with private spectrum providers to ensure the low-altitude "digital infrastructure" is ready for commercial operations by the 2027 milestone set in the **National AAM Strategy**. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **NDOT Research & Planning:** [dot.nv.gov/planning/research](https://www.dot.nv.gov/doing-business/about-ndot/ndot-divisions/planning/research/research-proposals) - **GOED Aerospace & Defense:** [goed.nv.gov/sectors/aerospace-defense](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/83rd2025/Budgets/1526.pdf)

New Hampshire is leveraging its "Granite State" ingenuity to become a critical node in the New England Regional Air Mobility (RAM) corridor. As of January 2026, the **New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) Bureau of Aeronautics** is focused on a "Low-Friction" deployment model, prioritizing the electrification of existing general aviation (GA) airports to support short-haul passenger and cargo flights. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework New Hampshire’s strategy is closely aligned with the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**, specifically focusing on the "Leverage" phase of infrastructure development. - **Airport Modernization:** NHDOT is prioritizing the installation of electric aircraft charging stations at state-managed facilities such as **Lebanon Municipal (LEB)** and **Concord Municipal (CON)**. These sites are strategically positioned to act as "feeder" hubs for larger markets in Boston and Montreal. - **Statewide Collaboration:** Through its active membership in the **National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)**, New Hampshire is coordinating with neighboring Vermont and Maine to establish unified regional flight standards for the 2026–2030 period. - **Streamlined Permitting:** The Bureau of Aeronautics is developing a simplified "Vertiport Readiness Guide" for local municipalities, aimed at ensuring that land-use policies around the state's 24 public-use airports are AAM-compatible. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support New Hampshire’s strategy benefits significantly from its proximity to **BETA Technologies** (headquartered in neighboring Vermont). - **Regional Charging Network:** In late 2025, New Hampshire became a key participant in a multi-state initiative to deploy a "Green Mountain to Granite State" charging spine, allowing the **ALIA** aircraft to conduct cross-border logistics missions. - **Workforce Development:** The state is exploring partnerships with the **University of New Hampshire (UNH)** to integrate AAM systems and propulsion maintenance into existing engineering and technical curricula. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **NHDOT Bureau of Aeronautics:** [dot.nh.gov/aeronautics](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.dot.nh.gov/about-nhdot/divisions-bureaus-districts/aeronautics) - **NASAO Strategic Partnership:** [nasao.org/state-aam](https://nasao.org/news/716859/State-Aviation-Officials-Welcome-USDOT-National-Strategy-for-Advanced-Air-Mobility.htm)

New Jersey is positioning itself as a critical "connector" state, leveraging its status as the most densely populated state and its proximity to the New York City and Philadelphia markets. As of January 2026, the **New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)** and the **Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)** are prioritizing the conversion of legacy transportation hubs into a high-frequency regional air mobility network. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework New Jersey’s strategy is primarily focused on **Heliport Modernization**. In late 2025, NJDOT began a statewide audit of its 40+ public-use heliports to identify candidates for rapid "electrification." - **The "Gold Coast" Corridor:** PANYNJ has accelerated plans to integrate eVTOL landing pads at **Newark Liberty International (EWR)** and the **Jersey City/Hoboken** waterfronts, aiming to reduce trans-Hudson tunnel congestion. - **Legislative Action:** Following the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**, NJ lawmakers are drafting a "Vertiport Readiness Act" for the 2026 session to provide tax credits for developers installing megawatt-level charging systems at transit-oriented development (TOD) sites. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support New Jersey is focusing on the "commuter-as-a-service" model. - **Blade and United Airlines:** Building on their partnership with **Archer Aviation**, United has identified Newark as a primary hub for its initial 2026 air taxi routes. - **Medical Logistics:** **Hackensack Meridian Health** announced a 2026 pilot program to utilize uncrewed eVTOLs for time-sensitive laboratory specimen transport across its network of North Jersey hospitals. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **NJDOT Division of Multimodal Services:** [nj.gov/transportation/about/panynj](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.nj.gov/transportation/about/panynj/airports.shtm) - **PANYNJ AAM Planning:** [panynj.gov/airports/aam](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2024-press-releases/port-authority-and-united-airlines-partner-to-bring-electric-air-taxis-to-newark-liberty-international-airport.html)

New Mexico is positioning itself as a "Testing and Energy Hub" for the AAM industry, leveraging its high-altitude environment and aggressive grants for advanced energy innovation. As of January 2026, the **New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Aviation Division** is utilizing **Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG)** to modernize its state aviation system for electric and autonomous operations. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework New Mexico’s strategy centers on the revitalization of its regional airports to support a "hub-and-spoke" AAM network. - **FY 2026 Infrastructure Grants:** New Mexico is currently deploying a portion of the **$21 million in FAA funding** secured in late 2025 to reconstruct aprons and modernize lighting at over two dozen airports, including **Lea County Regional** and **Santa Fe Regional**. - **Resiliency and Data:** NMDOT is using formula funding to increase the resilience of its transportation system and modernize data collection, a critical precursor for the "real-time" data requirements of low-altitude AAM traffic management. - **Multimodal Integration:** The state’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan emphasizes "Aviation, Railroad, and Ports" as a unified multimodal sector, ensuring that new vertiports are integrated into existing transit hubs. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support New Mexico is unique in its direct financial support for the R&D side of the AAM supply chain. - **Advanced Energy Award Pilot Program:** This state-funded grant awards up to **$1 million** to small businesses engaged in advanced energy innovation and commercialization. This program is a primary draw for eVTOL component manufacturers focusing on battery and propulsion technology. - **Military-to-Civilian Pipelines:** The state is leveraging its extensive military aviation presence (Albuquerque/Holloman) to develop workforce pipelines for AAM pilots and maintenance technicians, aligning with the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **NMDOT Planning & Multimodal:** [dot.nm.gov/planning-multimodal](https://www.dot.nm.gov/) - **NM Advanced Energy Award:** [edd.newmexico.gov/tio/nmaea](https://edd.newmexico.gov/tio/nmaea/)

New York is positioning itself as the premier global theater for Urban Air Mobility (UAM), with a focus on high-density operations within the New York City metropolitan area. As of December 2025, the state’s strategy is a dual-track effort between the **New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)** and the **New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)**, emphasizing the transition of maritime and heliport infrastructure into electric-ready vertiports. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The cornerstone of New York’s strategy is the **Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH) Modernization Project**. Following the 2024 RFP, the city has begun the physical installation of electric charging infrastructure to support multi-manufacturer operations. - **Heliport-to-Airport Corridors:** The primary strategic goal for 2026 is the establishment of "shuttle corridors" connecting Manhattan to **JFK** and **Newark Liberty International** airports. - **NYSDOT Aviation Capital Grant Program:** In late 2025, the state updated its grant criteria to prioritize general aviation airports that include AAM charging and "last-mile" cargo drone infrastructure. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support New York remains the primary testing ground for **Joby Aviation** and **Archer Aviation**, both of whom conducted successful piloted demonstrations in the city during late 2024 and 2025. - **eIPP Applications:** New York City has submitted a comprehensive application for the federal **eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)**, targeting a 2026 start for commercial air taxi trials. - **Quiet Skies Initiative:** To address dense urban noise concerns, NYS is funding a $5 million research partnership with the **NUAIR Alliance** to establish noise-monitoring baselines for eVTOL flight paths over the Hudson and East Rivers. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **NYSDOT Bureau of Aviation:** [dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/aviation](https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/aviation) - **NYCEDC Future of Flight:** [edc.nyc/project/future-flight-new-york](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://edc.nyc/project/future-flight-new-york)

North Carolina has positioned itself as a leader in autonomous systems and regional cargo logistics. As of January 2026, the **North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)** has transitioned from its "Advance Mobility NC" research phase into active corridor deployment, specifically targeting the integration of air and ground autonomous networks. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The state's strategy is defined by the **NCDOT Advanced Mobility Strategic Plan (2025-2029)**. A primary focus is the development of the "Interstate in the Sky," a first-of-its-kind multi-state AAM corridor announced in late 2025. - **The Charlotte-Atlanta Corridor:** A joint initiative with Georgia to establish coordinated, de-conflicted flight paths between major southeastern hubs. - **BVLOS Leadership:** North Carolina continues to leverage its status as a top-tier FAA test site to push for permanent **Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)** waivers, essential for the state’s regional cargo and medical delivery goals. - **Multimodal Hubs:** NCDOT is currently funding the retrofit of three regional airports to serve as "AAM Gateways," featuring universal charging stations compatible with both eVTOL and eCTOL (electric conventional takeoff) aircraft. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support North Carolina is a lead participant in the federal **eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)**, with a specific focus on "Middle-Mile" logistics. - **Beta Technologies Partnership:** In December 2025, NCDOT formalized a partnership with Beta Technologies to test the **ALIA** aircraft for organ transport and critical medical supplies between the Research Triangle and rural healthcare facilities. - **Commercial Drone Integration:** Building on its history with Wing and Zipline, the state is now integrating these small-drone networks into the broader AAM framework to create a tiered "low-altitude" traffic management system in Charlotte and Raleigh. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Advance Mobility NC Strategy:** [ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation/advance-mobility](https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation/advance-mobility) - **NCDOT Aviation Division:** [connect.ncdot.gov/projects/aviation](https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/TPDDocuments/25910%20Strategic%20Plan_May%202025_Final.pdf)

North Dakota continues to serve as the nation’s "Proving Ground" for uncrewed and autonomous aviation. As of January 2026, the **North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)** and the **Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS)** have fully operationalized **Vantis**, the first-of-its-kind statewide network designed to support Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations at scale. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The cornerstone of North Dakota’s AAM strategy is the **Vantis Network**, a physical and digital infrastructure layer that provides command, control, and situational awareness for all low-altitude aircraft. - **Statewide Command and Control:** Vantis uses a series of towers, radar, and radios—integrated by **Thales**—to allow pilots to fly safely without maintaining visual contact with the aircraft. - **UAS BEYOND Program:** NDDOT was recently selected for the next phase of the federal **BEYOND program**, which focuses on the steps necessary to facilitate scalable and economically feasible BVLOS operations through 2029. - **Innovation Zones:** The state has designated the **Bakken Oil Fields** and the **Red River Valley** as primary innovation zones, where AAM technology is being used to monitor critical energy infrastructure and agricultural health. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support North Dakota’s strategy is defined by "Repeatable and Scalable" commercial use cases. - **Energy and Ag-Tech:** In early 2026, pilot programs are expanding to include autonomous drone-based inspections of thousands of miles of pipeline and high-tension power lines, significantly reducing the cost and risk of traditional ground-based or helicopter surveys. - **Medical Logistics:** The **Northern Plains UAS Test Site** is currently testing the delivery of emergency medical kits to rural tribal communities, leveraging the Vantis network to ensure safety across hundreds of miles of sparsely populated territory. - **Manufacturer Integration:** North Dakota provides a "turnkey" regulatory environment for OEMs, offering pre-validated flight corridors that drastically reduce the time required for companies to secure FAA flight approvals. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Vantis: North Dakota’s UAS Network:** [vantisuas.com](https://www.vantisuas.com/) - **NDDOT Autonomous Systems:** [dot.nd.gov/autonomous](https://www.dot.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/construction-and-planning/STIP_2026-2029_DRAFT.pdf) - **Northern Plains UAS Test Site:** [npuasts.com](https://www.npuasts.com/)

Ohio is leveraging its historical legacy as the "Birthplace of Aviation" to lead the nation in uncrewed and autonomous flight testing. Through the **FlyOhio** initiative and **DriveOhio**, the state has created a "one-of-a-kind" ecosystem that bridges military research with commercial passenger transport. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework In March 2025, the **Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)** officially created a dedicated **Advanced Air Mobility Division**. This office is co-located with the **National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE)** in Springfield. - **SkyVision Technology:** Ohio continues to utilize **SkyVision**, a ground-based detect-and-avoid radar system developed with the Air Force Research Laboratory, which allows eVTOLs to fly "beyond visual line of sight" (BVLOS) safely in civilian airspace. - **The Ohio UAS Dashboard:** A new live data portal launched in late 2025 provides transparency on flight operations, helping city planners track AAM and drone traffic density across the state’s four primary "study zones." ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Ohio’s strategy centers on attracting large-scale assembly operations to the **Miami Valley**. - **Joby Aviation Dayton Expansion:** In December 2025, Joby announced it would double its U.S. manufacturing capacity, with its **Dayton facility** beginning production of propeller blades and other key components. The facility is a cornerstone of Joby's plan to reach a production rate of four aircraft per month by 2027. - **Agility Prime Collaboration:** The state remains the primary partner for the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program at **Wright-Patterson AFB**, ensuring that commercial AAM developments in Ohio benefit from federal defense-grade safety validation. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **DriveOhio AAM Division:** [drive.ohio.gov/programs/aam](https://drive.ohio.gov/about-driveohio/news/aam-division) - **FlyOhio 10-Year Framework:** [Ohio AAM Framework (PDF)](https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/drive.ohio.gov/programs/aam/reports-studies/aam-framework.pdf)

Oklahoma is positioning itself as the "National Proving Ground" for AAM, leveraging its massive aerospace sector and open airspace to lead in autonomous flight validation. As of January 2026, the **Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA)** has transitioned from strategic planning to physical infrastructure deployment, specifically in the realm of advanced airspace management. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The state's strategy is anchored by the **Oklahoma Advanced Mobility Strategy**, which integrates air and ground autonomous systems into a single economic roadmap. - **FlightHorizon Integration:** In February 2025, Oklahoma launched its first major investment in **airspace management infrastructure** at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port. Using the "FlightHorizon" system, the state now provides automatic detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities, replacing human visual observers with electronic ones. - **BVLOS Corridors:** Oklahoma is aggressively expanding its **Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)** testing areas, allowing for high-speed, high-altitude uncrewed flight testing for both military and commercial cargo OEMs. - **Advanced Mobility Advisory Council:** This nine-member council continues to advise the Secretary of Transportation on policy, focusing on "open-access" infrastructure to ensure the state’s vertiports can host diverse aircraft types. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Oklahoma is utilizing its "pioneering spirit" to attract manufacturers focused on the defense-to-commercial "dual-use" market. - **National Multistate Collaborative:** In late 2025, Oklahoma hosted the **AAM Multistate Collaborative**, leading a forum with other Tier 1 states to harmonize vertiport standards and pilot certification across state lines. - **Economic Impact Goals:** The state has projected that its AAM ecosystem will generate **$8.9 billion in total economic benefit** and 9,000 new jobs by 2045, with early pilot projects for rural medical delivery beginning in the second half of 2026. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Oklahoma AAM Strategy Action Agenda:** [oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aam](https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace/advanced-air-mobility/advanced-air-mobility-strategy.html) - **ODAA Newsroom (AAM Updates):** [oklahoma.gov/aerospace/news](https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace.html)

Oregon’s AAM strategy is defined by its leadership in uncrewed systems testing and a focus on "Resilient Aviation." As of January 2026, the **Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV)** is executing its **2025 Strategic Plan**, which explicitly targets the launch of a statewide AAM framework by the end of 2027. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Oregon is utilizing its unique **UAS Test Ranges** (Pendleton, Tillamook, and Warm Springs) to provide the regulatory sandboxes needed for eVTOL certification and autonomous testing. - **Strategic Plan Goal 5:** The state has officially launched its "Uncrewed and AAM Framework," which includes a mandate to identify long-term funding for electric aircraft charging infrastructure at state-owned airports by December 2026. - **Resiliency Assessments:** ODAV is currently digitizing its statewide infrastructure data to prioritize AAM projects that enhance disaster recovery and emergency preparedness for coastal and rural communities. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Oregon is leading the way in "mission-critical" AAM use cases, particularly wildfire mitigation and medical delivery. - **The SiFly Partnership:** In August 2025, ODAV signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with **SiFly** to explore the deployment of long-endurance, heavy-lift drones and eVTOLs for wildfire inspection and rural medical transport. - **Hillsboro AAM Hub:** The **Hillsboro Airport (HIO)** has emerged as a primary node for the Pacific Northwest, with **Life Flight Network** beginning fixed-wing operations at its new base in January 2026, serving as a precursor to future eVTOL medical transport integration. - ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **ODAV Strategic Plan 2025:** [oregon.gov/aviation/strategic-plan](https://www.oregon.gov/aviation/state-aviation-board/Documents/2025/10_02/ODAV%20Strategic%20Plan%202025.pdf) - **ODAV New Technology Portal:** [oregon.gov/aviation/new-technology](https://www.oregon.gov/aviation/new-technology)

Pennsylvania, known as the "Keystone State," is leveraging its unique geography to become a hub for Regional Air Mobility (RAM), connecting mid-sized cities like Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. The **Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)** strategy focuses on rural-urban connectivity and uncrewed logistics. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Pennsylvania’s AAM roadmap was significantly accelerated by the **November 2025 State Budget Bill**, which officially designated the **Johnstown-Cambria County Airport** as the state's first dedicated **Advanced Air Mobility Site**. - **Legislative Leadership:** State Senator Wayne Langerholc has spearheaded legislation to standardize "roadable aircraft" (flying cars) registration, making PA one of the first states to provide a legal framework for dual-mode vehicles. - **Vertiport Zoning:** PennDOT is developing a statewide **AAM Land Use Guide** to prevent a patchwork of local ordinances and ensure that the state’s 120+ public-use airports can rapidly transition to AAM hubs. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Pennsylvania is focusing on cargo and emergency medical services (EMS) as initial use cases. - **Central PA Corridor:** A pilot program launching in 2026 will test the delivery of medical supplies between the **UPMC and Penn State Health** networks using hybrid-electric aircraft. - **The "Texas-Triangle" of the East:** PennDOT is collaborating with Delaware and Maryland on a tri-state AAM task force to harmonize cross-border flight regulations for commuters in the Philadelphia metro region. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **PennDOT Bureau of Aviation:** [penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Aviation](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Aviation) - **PA AAM Advisory Committee:** [penndot.pa.gov/AAM-Task-Force](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Aviation/Pages/Advanced-Air-Mobility.aspx)

Rhode Island aviation at 1.0% GDP supports coastal transport.

South Carolina is executing a strategy centered on "Aviation Competitiveness," aimed at ensuring its network of 58 public-use airports can outpace neighboring states in the Southeast. As of January 2026, the **South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC)** has shifted its focus from feasibility studies to securing the long-term recurring funding necessary for high-voltage infrastructure and vertiport retrofits. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The state’s strategy is currently driven by a major legislative push for **recurring airport funding**. In the 2025 legislative session, the state increased investment to over $5 million in recurring funds, with an industry-backed goal of reaching **$100 million annually** by late 2026. - **Modernization of the State Aviation Fund:** Recent legislation (SB 675) ensures that airline property tax revenue is directly reinvested into the state’s aviation system, providing a stable foundation for AAM charging infrastructure. - **GA Airport Retrofits:** SCAC is prioritizing the state’s **52 general aviation (GA) airports** for early AAM operations, positioning them as "feeder nodes" to the state's commercial service hubs in Charleston, Greenville-Spartanburg, and Columbia. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support South Carolina’s approach leverages its massive automotive manufacturing base (BMW, Volvo) to attract AAM suppliers. - **Regional Logistics Corridors:** In late 2025, the state began coordinating a "Lowcountry Logistics Corridor" to pilot uncrewed cargo flights between the **Port of Charleston** and inland manufacturing centers. - **Manufacturing Recruitment:** Following the lead of neighboring states, the **South Carolina Council on Competitiveness** has launched a dedicated AAM task force to recruit battery and composite manufacturers specifically for the eVTOL supply chain. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **SC Aeronautics Commission (AAM Data):** [scaaonline.com/legislative](https://scaaonline.com/legislative/) - **SC Aviation Association (SCAA):** [scaaonline.com](https://scaaonline.com)

South Dakota is adopting a "Smart Integration" approach to AAM, viewing advanced aviation as a natural extension of its intermodal transportation system. As of January 2026, the **South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT)** is operationalizing its **2026–2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)**, which for the first time classifies AAM infrastructure under its modernization and "Agile Logistics" priorities. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework South Dakota’s strategy focuses on "preservation-plus"—maintaining its vast network of 70+ public-use airports while prepping them for electric flight. - **Smart Integration Initiative:** SDDOT has categorized AAM as part of its "Smart Integration" pillar, focusing on the strategic placement of utilities and radio spectrum to support automated weather detection and aircraft charging. - **Catchment Area Analysis:** The state has recently updated its **State Aviation System Plan** to define specific "AAM Catchment Regions," identifying which airports will serve as primary logistics hubs for the state’s agriculture and resource sectors. - **Federal-State Alignment:** SDDOT is actively coordinating with the FAA's "iTeams" to ensure that local zoning and licensing of infrastructure at regional airports align with the **December 2025 National AAM Strategy**. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The state is leveraging its low-complexity airspace to pilot "Middle-Mile" cargo and heavy-lift logistics. - **Freight Capacity Expansion:** While primarily focused on rail, the **2026 Freight Capacity Project** serves as a blueprint for how South Dakota intends to integrate AAM—using autonomous pods to bridge the gap between rail terminals and rural production sites. - **Winter Operations Testing:** Following the "Battle of the Blades" collaboration with North Dakota, the state is marketing its harsh winter environment as a primary validation site for eVTOL battery thermal management and de-icing technologies. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **SDDOT 2026–2029 STIP:** [dot.sd.gov/stip-2026](https://dot.sd.gov/projects-studies/planning/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip/) - **SD State Aviation System Plan:** [dot.sd.gov/aviation-plan](https://www.ebp.global/us-en/projects/south-dakota-state-aviation-system-plan)

Tennessee is adopting a "three-dimensional" transportation strategy that bridges surface, air, and digital networks. Led by the **Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)**, the state is prioritizing the use of AAM to close transportation gaps in underserved markets and enhance public safety through advanced drone integration. +1 ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Tennessee’s strategy is formalized in the **2025 Statewide Policy Plan Update**, which extends its planning horizon to 2055 and for the first time treats AAM as a core infrastructure element. - **Aeronautics System Plan:** TDOT Aeronautics is currently conducting a site-readiness study to identify where vertiports and "drone hubs" can be most effectively deployed within the "Tennessee Triangle" (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville). - - **Research-Driven Design:** The state has partnered with **Vanderbilt University** to develop data-driven deployment standards, ensuring that vertiport siting is both ambitious and practical for community noise and safety concerns. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Tennessee is a leader in the "Drones as First Responder" (DFR) model, which serves as a precursor to larger-scale AAM operations. - **DFR Scaling:** In early 2026, Tennessee is scaling its BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) workflows for public safety agencies, pairing domestic hardware with advanced flight-tracking software to standardize emergency aerial response. - - **Rural and "Thin-Haul" Logistics:** A 2026 pilot program is exploring the use of eVTOLs for cargo delivery in underserved rural markets, testing the economic viability of "thin-haul" operations that connect rural production centers to major logistics hubs in Memphis. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **TDOT 2025 Policy Plan Update:** [tn.gov/tdot/2025-Policy-Plan](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/long-range-planning/2025-Policy-Plan-Update-TDOT-Public-Comment-Final.pdf) - **Tennessee Drone & AAM Symposium Insights:** [dronelife.com/TN-AAM-2025](https://dronelife.com/2025/12/05/tennessee-drone-and-aam-symposium-discusses-future-of-mobility/)

Texas’s AAM strategy focuses on its vast geography and the "Texas Triangle" (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin/San Antonio). The **Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)** has positioned the state as the premier autonomous flight corridor, leveraging its existing network of nearly 300 general aviation airports. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The state’s roadmap is guided by the **2024 AAM Advisory Committee Final Report**, which led to the December 2025 proposal for a permanent **AAM Office** within TxDOT. - **Airport Repurposing:** Texas is prioritizing the "electrification" of its 300+ general aviation airports to serve as a ready-made regional network, reducing the need for new urban vertiport construction in the near term. - **Autonomous Focus:** Unlike other states, Texas is specifically courting autonomous developers (such as **Wisk Aero**), utilizing the state's flexible airspace regulations to facilitate uncrewed flight testing. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Texas is a major contender for the federal **eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)**, with multiple cities submitting bids in December 2025. - **North Texas Corridor:** The **North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)** continues to lead the nation’s most advanced regional AAM planning effort, integrating air taxis into the Dallas-Fort Worth DART transit system. - **Manufacturer Testing:** **Joby Aviation** and **Wisk** maintain significant testing footprints in the state. In late 2025, TxDOT began coordinating with the **Texas Division of Emergency Management** to pilot eVTOLs for disaster response and rural medical logistics. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **TxDOT Advanced Air Mobility Hub:** [txdot.gov/business/aviation/advanced-air-mobility.html](https://www.txdot.gov/business/aviation/advanced-air-mobility.html) - **NCTCOG AAM Planning:** [nctcog.org/trans/plan/aviation/aam](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.nctcog.org/trans/plan/aviation/aam)

Utah is distinguishing itself through proactive legislative frameworks and a long-term vision that views AAM as a critical solution for its unique topography and future international events. As of January 2026, the **Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)** is operationalizing the mandates of **Senate Bill 96 (2025)**, which established the state's formal regulatory and educational foundation for electric aviation. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Utah’s strategy is built on early regulatory clarity and local empowerment. Key provisions of the 2025 legislation include: - **The AAM Toolkit:** UDOT is mandated to develop a comprehensive "AAM Toolkit" for political subdivisions by **July 1, 2026**. This will provide model ordinances and best practices to ensure consistent vertiport zoning across the Wasatch Front. - **Flight Information Exchange (FIX):** Utah has legally defined "flight information exchange" and "authoritative supplemental data service providers," creating a state-sanctioned pathway for third-party traffic management systems to coordinate low-altitude flights. - **Olympic Readiness:** Governor Spencer Cox has set a strategic goal to have a fully functional AAM network operational in time for the **2034 Winter Olympics**, utilizing AAM to connect high-altitude venues with Salt Lake City’s urban core. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Utah’s strategy focuses on "Simplified Vehicle Operations" (SVO) and leveraging existing infrastructure for early testing. - **Infrastructure Study:** A recently completed **UDOT AAM Infrastructure and Regulatory Study** identified over 100 existing assets, including underutilized parking facilities and regional airports, capable of supporting immediate eVTOL charging retrofits. - **Commercial Registration:** Since January 1, 2025, Utah has required a state certificate of registration for all commercial AAM and UAS operations, creating a centralized database to help the state monitor industry growth and safety compliance. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **UDOT Aeronautics AAM Hub:** [udot.utah.gov/aero/aam](https://connect.udot.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AAMLegislativeReport-LW-Edits-Final-1.pdf) - **Senate Bill 96 (2025) Text:** [Utah Legislature - SB 96](https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0096.html)

Vermont has officially become the "Electric Aviation Capital" of the United States. Following the **December 2025** launch of the **AAM National Strategy** at BETA Technologies’ headquarters in South Burlington, the **Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)** has declared 2026 the start of a "New Golden Era" of aviation, backed by a dedicated FY 2026 budget for AAM integration. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Vermont’s strategy is a "Stepwise Integration" model, utilizing existing airport footprints to avoid the need for massive new construction. - **Aviation Program Priorities:** The **VTrans FY 2026 Budget** includes specific line items for "Support of Advanced Air Mobility," focusing on community engagement and STEM education to build a local workforce. - **MTI Grant Program:** The **2026 Mobility and Transportation Innovation (MTI) Grant Program** is now awarding funds for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative travel demand management, including electric aviation "first-mile/last-mile" programs. - **BETA Charge Cube Network:** Vermont is the national lead in "interoperable charging," with a dense network of **Charge Cubes** (developed by BETA) now operational at major state airports, capable of charging both electric aircraft and ground vehicles. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The state’s strategy is inextricably linked to **BETA Technologies**, whose 200,000-square-foot production facility is now ramping up for 2027 commercial deliveries. - **Regional Connectivity Pilots:** VTrans is exploring the use of BETA's **ALIA** (both VTOL and CTOL variants) for "Zero-Emission Inter-City" routes, connecting Burlington to Montpelier, Rutland, and the broader New England region. - **Medical and Organ Transport:** Building on its partnership with **United Therapeutics**, Vermont serves as a primary testbed for the autonomous transport of synthetic organs and critical medical supplies via electric flight. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **VTrans Aviation Program (FY 2026):** [vtrans.vermont.gov/aviation](https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Workgroups/Senate%20Transportation/Agency%20of%20Transportation/Budgets%20and%20Revenue/W~Evan%20Robinson~Aviation%20Budget%20Update~3-19-2025.pdf) - **2026 MTI Grant Program:** [vtrans.vermont.gov/mti-grants](https://vtrans.vermont.gov/public-transit/mti)

Virginia has positioned itself as the "testing capital" of the AAM industry through a powerful partnership between the **Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV)** and the **Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)**. As of January 2026, the state is operationalizing its **Advanced Air Mobility Test Site Program**, launched in November 2025. +1 ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Virginia’s strategy emphasizes the creation of an "AAM Ecosystem" that bridges digital and physical assets. - **First FAA-Licensed Vertiport:** The state achieved a national milestone with the designation of the **Blackstone Army Airfield (BKT)** as one of the first multi-use vertiport facilities in the region. - **Virginia Flight Information Exchange (VA-FIX):** This digital backbone allows the state to coordinate low-altitude airspace between crewed and uncrewed aircraft, providing a real-time data layer for AAM operators in the Dulles and Richmond corridors. - - **Minimum Viable Infrastructure (MVI):** DOAV’s 2025 MVI report now serves as the state’s technical manual for regional airports to begin the phased installation of AAM-compatible landing zones. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Virginia is aggressively recruiting AAM manufacturers and service providers through its **Unmanned Systems Center**. - **Commonwealth Test Site Program:** Five industry partners—including **DroneUp**, **Aloft**, and **OneSky**—are currently conducting real-world flight demonstrations in Virginia to validate safety frameworks for commercial AAM deployment. - - **Manufacturing Recruitment:** In December 2025, **Avio USA** selected Virginia for a new $500 million advanced manufacturing facility, further solidifying the state’s aerospace supply chain. - - **AAM Multistate Collaborative:** Virginia continues its leadership role in this steering committee, working with Ohio to harmonize AAM regulations across state lines. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Virginia DOAV AAM Portal:** [doav.virginia.gov/advanced\_air\_mobility](https://doav.virginia.gov/advanced_air_mobility/) - **Virginia AAM Strategic Plan:** [Virginia's AAM Blueprint (PDF)](https://doav.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/Files/DocumentLibrary/AAM_Strategic_Plan.pdf)

Washington State’s strategy is built on the twin pillars of aerospace manufacturing excellence and aggressive decarbonization. Managed by the **Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division**, the state is focusing on "Regional Air Mobility" (RAM) to connect its geographically isolated communities and Puget Sound islands. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework As of January 2026, Washington is implementing the **2026-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)**, which for the first time includes dedicated line items for electric aviation charging infrastructure. - **Grid Readiness:** A key strategic move in late 2025 was the proposed **State Transmission Authority**, designed to ensure that airports and potential vertiport sites have the high-voltage capacity required for rapid eVTOL fleet charging without straining local utilities. - **Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) & Hydrogen:** Washington’s strategy is unique in its "multi-fuel" approach, supporting not only battery-electric flight but also hydrogen-electric powertrains for longer regional hops (e.g., Seattle to Spokane). ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The state leverages its proximity to the Boeing ecosystem and a cluster of electric propulsion startups. - **The Cascadia Corridor:** WSDOT is collaborating with British Columbia and Oregon to study a "Green Flight Corridor" that would allow for cross-border electric aircraft operations by 2027. - **Decarbonization Grants:** The **Clean Energy Fund** has awarded over $12 million to date for the electrification of ground support equipment and the installation of Beta-standard chargers at five key regional airports, including Snohomish County (Paine Field). ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **WSDOT Aviation AAM Planning:** [wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/aam](https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2025/draft-2026-29-statewide-transportation-improvement-program-list-projects-available-public-comment) - **AAM National Strategy Coordination:** [transportation.gov/aam-strategy](https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-12/AAM%20National%20Strategy%202025.pdf)

West Virginia is positioning itself as a "Vertical Frontier," leveraging its rugged topography and specialized workforce to become an early adopter of AAM for rural connectivity. As of January 2026, the **West Virginia Department of Economic Development** and the **West Virginia UAS Advisory Council** are operationalizing the "Elevating West Virginia" vision, which identifies AAM as a primary driver for post-industrial economic renewal. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework West Virginia’s strategy focuses on the high-impact use of uncrewed and electric aircraft in areas where surface transport is hindered by mountainous terrain. - **Statewide UAS Advisory Council:** Following **House Bill 4667**, the state has centralized AAM policy under a single council, tasked with developing comprehensive strategies for air vehicle technology and business planning. - **Mobile Airspace Monitoring:** A key 2026 goal is the deployment of **mobile airspace monitoring systems**, allowing the state to establish versatile test environments in remote regions without the immediate need for permanent vertiports. - **Legislative Preemption:** To attract investment, the state has enacted laws preventing local political subdivisions from creating a "patchwork" of conflicting AAM regulations. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support The state is utilizing its unique geography to test "Mission-Critical" logistics. - **Mingo County K-16 Curriculum:** West Virginia leads the nation in **AAM workforce development**, having scaled a specialized aerospace curriculum from kindergarten through higher education to prepare the next generation of technicians. - **Industrial and Medical Corridors:** 2026 pilot programs are exploring the transport of essential goods to isolated communities and the use of eVTOLs for time-sensitive organ and specimen delivery between West Virginia University (WVU) health hubs. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **Elevating West Virginia Vision:** [vertxpartners.org/aam-vision](https://vertxpartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Elevating-West-Virginia-a-Vision-for-Advanced-Air-Mobility.pdf) - **West Virginia DOT Aeronautics:** [transportation.wv.gov/aeronautics](https://transportation.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx)

Wisconsin is leveraging its deep aviation culture—centered on the global hub of Oshkosh—to lead in AAM pilot training and manufacturing innovation. As of January 2026, the **Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Bureau of Aeronautics** is operationalizing its **State Airport System Plan**, focusing on "construction-manager-at-risk" contracts to accelerate AAM infrastructure projects. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework The state's strategy is currently driven by **2025 Assembly Bill 526**, which streamlines the bidding process for airport facility improvements. - **Vertiport Integration:** WisDOT is prioritizing the installation of electric aviation chargers at its **97 public-use airports**, specifically focusing on those within the "Great Lakes Corridor" connecting Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay. - **NASA Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium:** Based at Carthage College, this consortium is providing the research foundation for NASA-aligned AAM safety studies within the state. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Wisconsin is the national epicentre for the next generation of aviators. - **Powered Flight Academy (June 2026):** The **Civil Air Patrol** will host its national academy in **Oshkosh**, training students in the latest aircraft technologies and preparing them for the transition to electric and automated flight. - **Academic Hubs:** **Fox Valley Technical College** and **Gateway Technical College** remain primary training centers, currently updating their 2026 curricula to include A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) certifications specific to electric propulsion and lightweight composites. - **Autonomous Testing:** The state is exploring the use of its extensive rural network for "Middle-Mile" dairy and agricultural logistics via autonomous cargo pods. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **WisDOT Bureau of Aeronautics:** [wisconsindot.gov/aeronautics](https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/aeronautics/default.aspx) - **Wisconsin 2026 Legislative Updates:** [docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/AB526](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB526.pdf)

Wyoming is adopting an "Infrastructure-First" approach to AAM, focusing on the electrification of its remote highway and tourism corridors. As of January 2026, the **Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) Aeronautics Division** is utilizing its status as the third state to achieve "full build-out" of its electric vehicle charging network to pivot toward electric aviation charging standards. ### Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework Wyoming’s strategy is built on the **National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)** framework, which the state has successfully adapted for non-interstate highways. - **Resilient Infrastructure:** WYDOT is currently deploying **$48 million** in federal formula funding to increase the resilience of its transportation system, which includes upgrading regional airports like **Cheyenne (CYS)** and **Jackson Hole (JAC)** for electric aircraft compatibility. - **AAM for Tourism:** A 2026 strategic priority is using NEVI-aligned grants to fund private vertiport development at iconic tourist destinations, such as **Devil’s Tower**, to reduce seasonal surface traffic. - **Sovereignty and Monitoring:** Recent 2026 legislation (**HB 0012**) provides $500,000 to the Department of Environmental Quality to monitor state airspace, ensuring that emerging aviation technologies comply with state health and safety standards. ### Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support Wyoming is marketing its low-complexity, high-altitude airspace as a premier testing ground for regional air mobility. - **UAS Monitoring Pilots:** Through the **SMART Grant program**, WYDOT is piloting UAS-enabled hazard monitoring along its mountainous passes, a digital data-gathering exercise that will eventually support autonomous cargo corridors. ### Strategic Initiatives and Resources - **WYDOT Aeronautics Division:** [dot.state.wy.us/home/aeronautics](https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/aeronautics.html) - **Wyoming NEVI Plan Updates:** [dot.state.wy.us/nevi-updates](https://www.dot.state.wy.us/news/wydot-announces-nevi-plan-approval-major-program-updates)