Publication
Cleared for Takeoff: Arizona’s Flight Path to Advanced Air Mobility
By Patrick J. Paul and Sukhmani Singh
Whether you grew up imagining a world where you would beat traffic in a flying car like George Jetson, or never knew a world without cell phones, the future of flying vehicles might be closer than you think. While we’re not quite to cartoon-level commutes, advanced air mobility (AAM) — including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — is turning what once sounded like science fiction into a budding reality.
Imagine summoning a quiet, electric aircraft to take you across town in minutes, delivering critical medical supplies to remote areas, or hopping a short-range air taxi between cities — all without building new highways or runways. That’s the promise of AAM, and Arizona is now positioning itself to be a leader as this industry takes flight.
What Is Advanced Air Mobility?
AAM is a broad term for a new generation of aircraft. From eVTOLs to electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) planes, this type of aircraft is designed to move people and cargo efficiently, cleanly, and safely. AAM aircraft:
- are quiet and electric-powered, reducing noise and emissions.
- can take off and land vertically, requiring only compact “vertiports” instead of traditional runways.
- are being designed for short trips in urban and regional settings, such as airport transfers, emergency response, or inter-city connections.
Cities like New York and Dallas have already hosted experimental test flights and demonstrations, proving the technology is no longer theoretical, but commercial operations still require regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and public acceptance.
In May, Governor Hobbs signed S.B. 1307, a forward-looking law that positions the Grand Canyon State to lead AAM innovation, infrastructure, and investment. That law becomes effective on September 26, 2025. Arizona Bill Text – SB 1307 (Chapter 185)
In June, President Trump signed the Executive Order, Unleashing American Drone Dominance, which in part ordered the establishment of an eVTOL program and the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Each program is designed to accelerate the safe rollout of eVTOL aircraft and other AAM technologies in U.S. airspace.
Together, these measures lay the foundation for a transportation ecosystem that could reshape mobility, logistics, and economic development statewide.
Arizona’s First Move: S.B. 1307
S.B. 1307, which becomes effective on September 26, 2025, establishes the state’s legal and planning foundation for AAM.
Key provisions include:
- Statewide planning — By September 1, 2026, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) must incorporate vertiports and charging stations into its statewide aviation plan.
- Dedicated liaison — ADOT will appoint an Advanced Air Mobility Specialist to help local governments and regional agencies with planning, zoning, and permitting.
- Educational resources — The Arizona Commerce Authority will provide guides and technical materials to help communities understand the benefits of electric-powered aircraft and plan for future integration.
- Uniform standards — Local governments cannot create conflicting rules on aircraft operations (though airports retain some authority), ensuring consistent regulations statewide.
This combination of planning, education, and regulatory clarity positions Arizona to support early testing and deployment while giving communities the tools to prepare for this new mode of transportation.
The Federal Push: eVTOL Integration Pilot Program
Arizona’s move dovetails with President Donald Trump’s June 6, 2025, Executive Order, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” which launched the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
The eIPP is a three-year initiative designed to accelerate the safe rollout of advanced aircraft in U.S. airspace and gather operational data to shape long-term rules.
Key elements of the federal initiative include:
- Pilot programs — The FAA will select at least five projects nationwide, pairing local governments with experienced operators.
- Regulatory streamlining — The FAA is tasked with expediting rules for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and certifying these new aircraft.
- Future expansion — The program may eventually include eSTOL and hydrogen-powered aircraft as technology evolves.
For Arizona, this alignment between state readiness and federal support increases the likelihood of becoming a host site for one of these pilot programs.
AAM is projected to generate billions of dollars nationally in the coming decade. Arizona’s early action positions it to attract manufacturers, operators, and technology partners, creating high-quality jobs and expanding the state’s innovative economy.
Infrastructure Readiness
By requiring vertiport and charging station planning, Arizona reduces the risk of delays once commercial operations begin to scale.
From rural medical deliveries to airport shuttles, AAM could expand access and efficiency without the cost or environmental impact of new highways or runways. Additionally, clear statewide rules provide certainty for investors and developers, positioning Arizona as a logical choice for early deployment.
While the possibilities are exciting, there is work ahead to ensure these aircraft integrate safely and smoothly. Communities will need to consider noise, safety protocols, airspace management, and equitable access. S.B. 1307’s educational and planning resources will be key in helping local jurisdictions engage early and thoughtfully.
Looking Ahead
The combination of federal momentum and state-level readiness puts Arizona in a prime position to help shape the future of advanced air mobility. Stakeholders, from municipalities to developers to investors, should begin aligning with ADOT’s upcoming planning efforts and monitor the FAA’s Request for Proposals for pilot programs.
Arizona is not waiting for the future to arrive; it’s building the runway — or more accurately, the vertiport — for it. Fasten your seatbelts – the future of AAM is taking off!
*Any opinions expressed are the authors’ and not the firm’s or the authors’ colleagues’.
About Snell & Wilmer
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 17 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto and San Diego, California; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas and Reno-Tahoe, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit swlaw.com.
