The FAA is building a test range at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center next to Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City to see how eVTOLs will mix with regular traffic at existing airports. The Vertical Takeoff and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR) will try to answer questions that were posed when the first multi-copters wobbled into the air about 15 years ago. The facility will look at wake turbulence, downwash and outwash, radio interference, and just how a busy vertiport can be accommodated into the already-established procedures and aircraft routing at an existing airport. “V-PAR’s mission is to accelerate the safe, secure and scalable integration of emerging aviation technologies,” an FAA fact sheet says. “The facility brings together operational infrastructure, regulatory personnel, human factors laboratories, procedure experts and simulation capabilities in one location.”
The $8.3 million facility will include a touchdown and liftoff area, taxiway, an observation and operations building, and flight testing gear along with a charging station. It may be expanded in the future. It’s been in the planning stages since 2021 and Congress allocated $6 million to fund it in 2024. It’s not clear where the funding shortfall will come from. “As advanced air mobility technologies continue to evolve, the FAA must ensure they meet the same high safety standards expected throughout the National Airspace System,” said FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau. “The V-PAR will help us gather the data and operational insights needed to support their safe integration into the nation’s airspace.”
In the planning stages since 2021. $6 million funded in 2024. Started building mid-2026. Estimated it will take $8.3 million minimum. But not sure where the remaining $2.3 million budget shortfall will come from. Nor when it will arrive. This assumes the $8.3 million will not have any of the cost over runs common on most if not all federal procurement efforts. And this is a result of 5.5 years of planning. This 5.5 years of planning with resulting minimum $2.3 million budget shortfall is not giving me assurances “As advanced air mobility technologies continue to evolve, the FAA must ensure they meet the same high safety standards expected throughout the National Airspace System.”
I agree, the FAA “must ensure they meet the high safety standards expected throughout the National Airspace System”. Not starting off too well with the building after 5.5 years of planning. Makes me not confident of how the FAA “must ensure” safe VTOL airspace integration with manned aircraft with 5.5 years of planning just for the building, launch/landing pad, and location within Will Rogers Airport. With not any idea where, who, and when another $2.3 mil will show up to complete… maybe…this VTOL integration. I guess this means as VTOL technology evolves, so will the procurement of funds will evolve likewise. Wow!
EASA and the EU is further ahead in eVTOL integration into the airspace system by a wide margin, and on all fronts. Dedicated financial commitments underscore those goals and priorities have been established.
In the US, eVTOL technology has always exceeded Federal commitment relying heavily on private investment and limited Military involvement. Given the current worldwide use of UAV equipment in various capacities, it only seems logical that the US consider the implications of ignoring such an obvious and emerging advantage.