Arizona Lays Groundwork for Advanced Air Mobility

State takes steps to regulate and plan for vertical take-off and landing aircraft

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:04am

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The Arizona state legislature has allocated $2 million for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to develop a plan for incorporating advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure, such as vertiports, into the state's aviation system. Republican State Senator Dave Farnsworth is proposing the creation of a new state agency to regulate these emerging vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which could be used for air taxis and urban air ambulances.

Why it matters

The emergence of AAM technology presents both opportunities and challenges for Arizona. On one hand, it could provide faster emergency medical response and reduce traffic congestion. However, there are concerns about ensuring fair access to vertiports and avoiding monopolization by a single company. Proper regulation and planning will be crucial as this new industry takes shape.

The details

According to the report, the Arizona legislature earmarked $2 million in last year's budget for ADOT to develop a plan for incorporating AAM infrastructure. Senator Farnsworth is proposing the creation of a new state agency to regulate these VTOL aircraft, rather than leaving it solely under ADOT's purview. He wants to ensure a balance between publicly and privately owned vertiports to prevent a single company from dominating the market. A law passed last year also directed ADOT to begin updating the state's aviation plan to include AAM, though the agency has been slow to act according to Farnsworth.

  • In 2025, the Arizona legislature allocated $2 million in the state budget for ADOT to develop an AAM plan.
  • Last year, the Arizona legislature passed a law directing ADOT to incorporate AAM infrastructure into the state's aviation plan.

The players

Dave Farnsworth

Republican State Senator from Mesa, Arizona who is proposing the creation of a new state agency to regulate advanced air mobility.

Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)

The state transportation agency tasked with developing a plan for incorporating AAM infrastructure into Arizona's aviation system.

City of Phoenix

The city has announced a partnership with local airports to begin planning for advanced air mobility technology.

Chad Makovsky

Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix, who stated that the city's airports have identified potential programs for AAM that could launch in the next few years.

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What they’re saying

“We need to find a balance between publicly owned and privately owned vertiports.”

— Dave Farnsworth, State Senator

“If a paramedic needs to get to a home quickly and if we have a traffic jam. They can literally fly over traffic and land in a cul-de-sac in minutes.”

— Dave Farnsworth, State Senator

“Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley, and Phoenix Goodyear airports have identified potential programs for advanced air mobility that could launch in the next few years.”

— Chad Makovsky, Aviation Director, City of Phoenix

What’s next

The Arizona legislature will consider Senator Farnsworth's proposal to create a new state agency to regulate advanced air mobility. ADOT is also expected to release its plan for incorporating AAM infrastructure into the state's aviation system in the coming months.

The takeaway

Arizona is taking proactive steps to prepare for the emergence of advanced air mobility, recognizing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. By planning for vertiport infrastructure and considering appropriate regulation, the state aims to foster this new transportation technology while protecting the public interest.