Nevada(NV)

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
• GOED Aerospace & Defense: goed.nv.gov/sectors/aerospace-defense