Pennsylvania(PA)

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
• PA AAM Advisory Committee: penndot.pa.gov/AAM-Task-Force