The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently supported the first demonstration flight of next-generation aircraft in North Carolina under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy highlighted the event, noting that North Carolina is the fifth location to launch under this federal initiative, following Texas earlier in the month.
The eIPP creates a large-scale real-world environment for testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, autonomous planes, and drone technology. Data collected from these projects will help the FAA develop regulations to safely integrate this technology at scale. The program aims to create jobs, connect communities, and strengthen American leadership in aviation.
Joby Aviation, BETA Technologies, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation are collaborating to test regional flight and medical transport capabilities. Last week, Joby’s remotely piloted J208 flew from Dare County Regional Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. BETA Technologies completed multiple test flights with its electric ALIA aircraft between Raleigh Executive Jetport, Pitt-Greenville Airport, and Dare County Regional Airport.
BETA Technologies Founder and CEO Kyle Clark noted that their aircraft completed more than 16 medical and disaster response missions last week. These flights connected the Research Triangle to the North Carolina coast, carrying field medical stations and supplies to overcome distance barriers for critical care. Metro Aviation flew every mission under the framework designed by the FAA and USDOT.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the demonstrations help ensure safe integration of new aircraft into the airspace. North Carolina Secretary of Transportation Daniel Johnson emphasized the eLIFT-NC initiative’s role in expanding access to rural communities. Several state leaders, including Senators and Congressmen, praised the collaboration between the federal government, private industry, and the state.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans additional test flights for the rest of the year. The broader eIPP program launched in March and spans 28 states, covering urban air taxis, regional passenger transport, cargo logistics, emergency medical response, autonomous flight, and offshore energy transportation.
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