Public Invited by University of Arkansas Researchers to Shape the Future of Air Taxis and eVTOL Drones
Researchers at the University of Arkansas are inviting the general public to contribute to the future of urban air travel. The Aerospace Systems Engineering & Transportation (ASYST) Lab at the U of A has initiated a new study this week, seeking participants for a research survey on public acceptance of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This broad category includes air taxis, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and medical delivery drones.
The study, published on September 10, 2026, aims to understand community perceptions of these emerging aviation technologies. It explores potential benefits, safety concerns, privacy implications, and community impact. The anonymous online survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and no prior knowledge of aviation, drones, or AAM is required to participate.
This research is being conducted at a pivotal time for the AAM industry. Companies like Archer Aviation are already conducting city-to-city eVTOL flight tests in coordination with the FAA. International partnerships, such as the collaboration between Skyports Infrastructure and Japan’s Oita Prefecture, are laying the groundwork for commercial eVTOL services as early as 2028. Understanding public attitudes is seen as essential to the successful rollout of this technology.
“Your participation will provide valuable insights into how communities perceive the future introduction of Advanced Air Mobility technologies,” the ASYST Lab noted in its announcement. Analysts project that the AAM sector could generate economic impacts exceeding $115 billion by 2035 and create more than 280,000 new jobs.