![]()
Joby Aviation announced Wednesday it had completed the third stage of the FAA-type certification process, becoming the first eVTOL developer to do so. This marks the completion of the third out of five stages in the certification process, in which Joby submitted certification plans to cover the aircraft's structural, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as Joby's intended certification approach to cybersecurity, human factors and noise.
Joby completed the second stage in February 2023 and announced in July it had completed submitting all of the stage three certification plans to the FAA. The plans submitted outlined the tests and analyses Joby will use to certify every aspect of the eVTOL for commercial use. These stage three plans have been reviewed and are now accepted by the FAA, setting the foundation for Joby to submit test plans and begin for-credit testing across each area of the aircraft program.Joby eVTOL flying
"Joby continues to lead the industry towards bringing electric air taxis to the commercial market," Joby Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt said. "Our certification and engineering teams are best-in-class and, working closely with the FAA, continue to support U.S. leadership in this new area of aviation."
With the third stage complete, Joby can now focus on the fourth stage of the certification process. In the fourth stage, Joby will complete tests and analysis for FAA credit, covering all components and the system on the Joby eVTOL, as well as for the entire aircraft itself. Joby began piloted testing in October and completed the first-ever electric air taxi flight in New York City on Nov. 12, 2023.
"With all of our certification plans accepted by the FAA, we are now completely focused on the execution phase of the certification process," Joby President of Aircraft OEM Didier Papadopoulos said. "We have a clear path to certifying every aspect of our aircraft, and the team is full steam ahead on executing against that path as we continue to lead the industry to commercialization."
In Q4 2023, Joby completed 30 for-credit tests to cover a number of flight electronics units and structural materials. The testing methods and processes that were validated through this testing are the formation for the continued expansion of the FAA for credit testing. On Feb. 8 Joby and fellow eVTOL developer both announced each had been awarded Part 145 Repair Station Certificates from the FAA, allowing the companies to perform select maintenance activities on the aircraft.RELATED STORIES:Archer, Joby progress toward FAA certificationJoby going exclusive in Dubai with air taxi dealAtlantic Aviation partners with Joby, Archer to electrify infrastructureJoby, Clay Lacy Aviation partner to install first electric air taxi charger in Southern CaliforniaJoby completes first-ever electric air taxi flight in New York CityJoby's electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. The eVTOL will offer high-speed mobility with less noise than that produced by helicopters and with zero operating emissions. Joby has made several agreements in 2024 to install infrastructure in urban hubs like New York City and Los Angeles to prepare for the integration of eVTOL and electric air taxis. The company plans to transform urban travel, taking a long commute by car and replacing it with a shorter, quieter and more sustainable trip in an air taxi.MORE RELATED STORIES:Joby begins piloted flight testingJoby receives FAA approval on Certification Plans for battery, electrical systemJoby completes third stage in eVTOL certification process
The completion of the third stage of FAA certification puts Joby ahead in the race to certify the first eVTOL. Joby has become the first eVTOL developer to complete the third stage and is now onto the fourth. The company expects to launch commercial services in 2025 and is moving forward on the path to achieve this goal.