A new federal pilot program aims to streamline integration of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across 26 states, including Florida, with testing set to begin this summer. The FAA has selected eight projects, including one led by Florida's Department of Transportation, to create one of the largest real-world testing environments for next-generation aircraft. The pilot program will include phases of operations focused on cargo delivery, passenger transportation, automation and medical response. St. Petersburg leaders plan to make the city a hub for the technology, with Albert Whitted Airport expected to play a significant role. However, for air taxi service to begin, vertiports and charging stations must be built for it to take flight.