FAA releases draft design standards for vertiports and heliports

The draft covers touchdown and liftoff areas, approach surfaces, lighting and markings, fueling and electric charging, rooftop and elevated landing sites, and how to add vertical-flight facilities at existing airports without disrupting current operations. It combines the FAA's earlier separate guidance for heliports and vertiports.

The agency called the draft an initial proposal for industry feedback and said it will seek public comment before publishing final standards in summer 2027. Data from its eVTOL Integration Pilot Program will help refine future standards, the FAA said.

Why it matters: Companies developing electric air taxis need approved designs for landing and charging sites before passenger service can grow, and airport and heliport owners will use the standards to plan them.