FAA Launches Advanced Air Mobility Research Range in Oklahoma City for eVTOL Testing

The Federal Aviation Administration has commenced work on a specialized research facility in Oklahoma City aimed at advancing the safety and integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This new Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Research Range will support vital testing and development of vertiport operations, crucial infrastructure for emerging urban air mobility concepts. Construction of the site marks a significant step toward accommodating the next generation of air transportation.

The Oklahoma City AAM Research Range will focus on the real-world testing of vertiport technologies, including takeoff and landing infrastructure, charging systems, and air traffic management procedures necessary for eVTOL aircraft operations. The site is strategically positioned to enable robust experimentation with both vehicle technologies and ground infrastructure, facilitating the FAA’s mission to safely integrate these novel aircraft into the National Airspace System.

This initiative follows increasing regulatory and industry interest in building frameworks that support eVTOL operators, which are envisioned to provide efficient and sustainable urban transit solutions. By providing a dedicated location for testing, the FAA aims to address critical safety and operational challenges before broad commercial deployment. The research range will help validate standards that govern vertiport design and operational procedures, enabling smoother future certification processes.

The FAA’s investment in the Oklahoma City site reflects growing momentum in Advanced Air Mobility, where multiple manufacturers and cities are exploring eVTOL as a viable mode for urban and regional travel. Urban air mobility has the potential to reduce ground traffic congestion while supporting sustainability goals, aligning with federal priorities for innovative transportation technologies.

Looking ahead, this research range will be instrumental in enabling a safe operational environment for a new class of aircraft requiring integration with existing airspace users. As eVTOL technology progresses from prototypes to commercially viable aircraft, the FAA’s facility will provide critical data and insights to inform regulations and infrastructure planning nationwide. Stakeholders in the aviation and urban mobility sectors will closely monitor its development and test outcomes.