REGULATORY LANDSCAPEPosture + Burden · two parallel axes
PostureFRIENDLYScoring · 10pts
Stance — how friendly state and municipal government posture is toward AAM infrastructure. Currently scored as a single weight in the AirIndex 7-factor model.
BurdenmoderateTracked · not yet scored
HB 1735 (2023) established a UAM enabling framework that largely defers operational details to the FAA; state review layer is lighter than FL. Houston and Dallas have shown relatively streamlined heliport permitting pathways. Initial assessment pending verification by credentialed advisor.
Burden measures process friction — documents, reviews, public notices, and time-to-approve. A state can be posture-friendly AND burden-heavy simultaneously (e.g., Florida has enacted UAM legislation but requires a 13-document packet for heliport approval). Methodology.
▶Wisk Gen 6 autonomous eVTOL first flight (Dec 2025)
▶Joby first UAE piloted flight (Nov 2025)
▶TX HB 1735 passed 2023
▶DFW vertiport feasibility study complete
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Texas passed landmark UAM-friendly legislation (HB 1735) in 2023. Wisk completed first flight of Gen 6 autonomous eVTOL (Dec 2025) — the first FAA type certification candidate for autonomous passenger eVTOL. Joby targeting 2026 Dubai commercial launch (pre-commercial; first UAE piloted flight Nov 2025). Dallas is a primary US target market.
