An aircraft prototype such as this could be used in Utah's testing program. Photo: Brian Jenkins – BETA Technologies

UTAH — Technological advances in air travel may mean Utahns could soar high above congested roadways in the near future. Utah’s Department of Transportation announced last week the state has been selected to lead a federal pilot program to test advanced electric aircraft and other emerging aviation technologies in real-world operations.

The Federal Aviation Administration selected Utah as one of eight projects nationwide for the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, a three-year initiative designed to help safely integrate advanced aircraft into the national airspace.

Through the initiative, known as uFLY, Utah will lead a partnership with Oregon, Idaho, Arizona and Oklahoma, along with industry partners and research institutions, to test new aviation technologies and gather data that will help shape the future of flight in the United States.

Air travel at the Olympics

At the Leadership Symposium, Senator John Curtis mentioned the program in connection with the 2034 Olympics, remarking that innovation will be a driving force leading up to the Games. “Can we move somebody from Salt Lake City to here through the air with zero emissions? Those are really cool things coming and I think Utah can really innovate and be a leader in this area.”

UDOT noted that “emerging aviation technologies could assist with logistics, emergency response and regional mobility” in the Utah 2036 Winter Olympic Games.

Paul Damron, UDOT’s Advanced Air Mobility program manager, said the program will “support package delivery, medical supplies and transport, along with personal travel options.” He continued, “We hope this program will provide support to Utahns in ways that are currently unimaginable.”

Next steps

The pilot program will begin later this year, according to Damron. Initial testing will gather data to establish aerial routes around the state and other partnering states.

Before shifting the program into everyday practice, Damron said the department will work to “understand how industry stakeholders will commercialize these operations, where they will initially take place, when they could be available for the everyday public, and what regulatory changes might be necessary.” They will also consider the infrastructure needs of the program and how to support those.

Damron says the department plans to work with the Park City leadership and community to educate and demonstrate what this means not only for Park City as an Olympic venue but also for the public in Utah.