About CAAT
The Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) opened in September 2025 and supports the testing and advancement of new and emerging aviation technologies through partnerships across government, industry, and academia.
Established by Section 961 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, CAAT is responsive to and funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to examine and address the challenges for integrating autonomous aerial vehicles into the National Airspace System (NAS).
CAAT does this by facilitating technology partnerships amongst a consortium of 55-plus member organizations from industry, academia and government, further arranged into smaller working groups that focus on various aspects of development. Whereas the large consortium remains open to the participation of additional organizations so long as they are aligned to the membership and non-disclosure agreements, smaller working groups are formed based on organizational interest, capabilities, and cost efficiency.
CAAT is staffed and led by the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) of TAMU-Corpus Christi on behalf of the Texas A&M University System. CAAT is hosted at Texas A&M University - Fort Worth near the FAA Southwest Regional Office, bringing national attention to and shaping opportunities within the North Texas area and beyond.
CAAT's Mission
CAAT exists to
- develop an airspace laboratory and flight demonstration zones,
- establish testing corridors,
- develop and facilitate technology partnership,
- identify new and emerging aviation technologies,
- explore areas of interest and necessity to provide industry-driven recommendations, and
- respond to other specific directives
in support of the full and safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into the National Airspace System (NAS).
On behalf of the Texas A&M University System, ARI operates CAAT to assist with integrating AAM into the NAS according to the guidance of the Federal Aviation Administration.
CAAT Vision – Advancing the Future of aviation
Over the next 10-plus years, the CAAT will continue to play an integral role in building a safe and efficient modernized support system needed to enable AAM across the United States to drive time savings; cleaner, quieter, and less congested operations; better emergency response; and increased connectivity within and between communities across the United States.
Join the Consortium
If you represent an organization in industry, academia, or government with expertise or capabilities relevant to AAM or the NAS and are interested in joining the CAAT Consortium, please download the CAAT Consortium Membership Interest Form and email it to us for consideration.
Request More Information
Cannot find what you are looking for and wish to talk to someone? You may send us an email. Please expect to receive a response within 1-2 business days.