'Flying Cars' Will Take Off in American Skies This Summer

"Eight regions across the US, including New York and New Jersey, Texas, Florida, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, will take part in a three-year pilot program that will see new aircraft designs ferrying people and cargo around the country even before they formally receive full certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration."

"The companies building the tech say their aircraft are quieter, cheaper, and release fewer emissions than helicopters or airplanes. Some promise totally autonomous trips. Many involved in the project, including electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, and ultra-short takeoff aircraft, require way less space to operate, landing and taking off outside of traditional airports and closer to where people live and work."

"Adam Goldstein, the CEO and founder of Archer Aviation, one of the firms involved, called the federal pilot program 'our Waymo moment,' a science fiction project turned real life. 'Now the goal is to have half a million people in the biggest cities in the country start to see these aircraft as part of your everyday commute, just like they started to see Waymos every day,' he said."

The US Department of Transportation announced a pilot program launching as early as June allowing new aircraft designs to operate in US airspace before receiving full FAA certification. Eight regions including New York, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, and Albuquerque will participate in this three-year initiative. These aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) and ultra-short takeoff aircraft, combine helicopter and airplane capabilities. Manufacturers claim their designs are quieter, cheaper, and produce fewer emissions than traditional helicopters or airplanes. Many promise autonomous operations and require minimal space for takeoff and landing outside traditional airports. Companies envision rapid inter-city transportation above traffic congestion, potentially transforming urban commuting and economic structures.

Read at WIRED