America Has Made Moves in UAM… Now the Community Gets to See Them Shine

As we’ve all seen by now, American leaders have made incredible progress in urban air mobility (UAM) in the last year. The upcoming Oshkosh AirVenture event is now the perfect opportunity for the public to see just how real the once purely Sci-Fi concept of air taxis has become.

The FAA, alongside regulators from the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, recently unveiled a harmonized certification roadmap for eVTOL aircraft. Set for completion in 2027, the strategy includes shared standards and performance-based criteria aimed at reducing time-to-market for air taxi companies.

Shortly after, the aviation regulator completed a remarkably realistic simulation demonstrating how electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft would fit into the daily flows of busy airports. The trial, conducted at the agency’s New Jersey-based Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory (AFTIL), used realistic 3D models, full-scale tower mockups, and interconnected aircraft and radar simulators to assess real-world viability at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

These acts show just how ready the US is to tackle the complexities of air taxis… if the public is ready for it. Some operators are even eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a ground for public-facing demo flights. While that’s still a few years away, the buzz surrounding UAM is loud and clear -- and it's something to look out for at the rapidly incoming EAA Oshkosh Airventure.

The Vertical Flight Society will be heading the charge with its 19th annual Electric Aircraft Symposium, accessible online and in Oshkosh on July 19 and 20. It will showcase over 35 industry stakeholders leading 12 discussions surrounding AAM topics.

Air taxi manufacturer Joby Aviation will be exhibiting at AirVenture in booth #316. Visitors can experience their eVTOL aircraft in virtual reality, meet the Joby team, and get some fun branded gear to take along.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) will also be exhibiting at booth #363. The organization is dedicated to vertical flight tech as a whole, placing a strong emphasis on eVTOLs. It provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for its members, who include manufacturers, operators, and other AAM stakeholders.

FMI: www.eaa.org