FAA tests pilotless hybrid-electric cargo plane in Louisiana

In a trial under the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, Elroy Air’s Chaparral aircraft performed a remotely piloted cargo flight at Houma-Terrebonne Airport in Louisiana. The hybrid-electric plane, which can lift more than 500 pounds and travel up to 450 miles, took off vertically and transitioned to winged flight, using modular cargo pods that can be loaded on the ground. While the aircraft flew autonomously, human operators monitored the mission through Air Traffic Control.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the data will help move the technology from testing to deployment. The demonstration targets the logistics “middle mile,” with potential uses in offshore energy operations and emergency response where traditional runways are unavailable. Additional flights are planned across the Gulf Coast through the end of 2026.