Ampere to test hybrid eVTOL in Utah under FAA integration pilot

Ampere will demo a hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Utah as part of the Federal Aviation Administrations eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (EIPP), presenters said.

"Ampere is, very excited to to get started with the FAA in Utah on the EIPP," the Ampere presenter said, describing Utah as a "fantastic environmental test bed" for altitude and temperature trials. FAA official speakers said the company will collect flight and performance data that the FAA will manage and use to develop operating procedures and regulations.

The briefing described the aircraft as a hybrid platform: a gas power plant running on Jet A or sustainable aviation fuel would supply the base load during cruise, while batteries provide "instant peak power capability" for takeoff and climb. FAA officials said the hybrid approach means the aircraft would not require new charging infrastructure and could use existing fuel supply systems during initial demonstrations, which they said should reduce near-term infrastructure costs and environmental impact.

The FAA official summarized the next steps: "What they'll do is, Ampere will collect this data. We'll put it into a database that the FAA manages and owns, and then the FAA is going to take this data and develop, rules, regulations, operating procedures, how it can be integrated across the country, quickly, reliably, and efficiently." The briefing did not specify dates for demonstrations or a public flight schedule.

Speakers emphasized use cases including cargo and logistics, and suggested passenger operations could follow after demonstrations. A final on-record remark in the transcript was truncated and ends mid-sentence; the record does not include a clear closing timeline or event date.