Ohio(OH)

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
• FlyOhio 10-Year Framework: Ohio AAM Framework (PDF)