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President Donald Trump signed three executive orders on Wednesday aimed at advancing aviation technology and strengthening U.S. airspace security, with new policies addressing drones, flying cars, and supersonic aircraft.
The orders are intended to streamline regulations and promote innovation in aerial mobility, including domestic drone operations, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), and commercial supersonic flight. The White House said the actions mark a significant step toward restoring American leadership in next-generation aviation.
“Decades of regulatory gridlock have grounded advancements in drones, flying cars, and supersonic flight in the U.S. With today’s EOs, the Trump Administration is giving America’s innovators greater ability to test, develop, and commercialize these cutting-edge aircrafts that will reshape aviation,” said White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios.
“President Trump’s actions will unleash a new era of American aviation dominance, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and protecting our national security,” he added.
The drone initiative authorizes beyond-line-of-sight operations for uses such as infrastructure inspection, emergency response, medical delivery, and cargo transport. The administration stated that these expanded applications are designed to support both civilian and national security efforts.
A second order establishes a pilot program for eVTOL aircraft, often referred to as flying cars, to assess their effectiveness in air taxi services, emergency medical missions, cargo logistics and defense support. Officials noted that testing would involve collaboration between the federal government and private sector developers.
The third order focuses on reviving the U.S. supersonic aviation industry by removing regulatory barriers that have hindered the development of high-speed passenger travel. The administration stated that outdated rules have prevented American companies from competing effectively in this sector globally.
In addition to encouraging innovation, the executive actions emphasize national security. The White House cited the need to reduce dependence on foreign drone technology and prevent adversarial access to U.S. airspace. New detection and mitigation measures are expected to improve the government’s ability to track and stop unauthorized or malicious drone use.
The orders take effect immediately, and the administration stated that it would move swiftly to establish the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
