Major eVTOL Companies Ramping Up Flight Schools

Pilot academies are in the works at major electric, vertical takeoff and landing companies.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 09:51 PM ET

Verified

Joby Aviation is just one of several major eVTOL developers that are creating flight training programs for their aircraft. Courtesy: Joby Aviation

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation plans to establish its own pilot academy to train flight crews for its uncertified eVTOL aircraft, expecting to draw from existing pools of pilots.
The emerging eVTOL industry is actively developing pilot training programs, with companies like Joby, Lilium (partnering with Lufthansa), and Volocopter (partnering with CAE) preparing for future operations.
Joby anticipates FAA type certification in 2023 and aims to launch its piloted air taxi service in partnership with Uber as early as 2024.
The long-term vision for Joby and the eVTOL industry includes a transition to autonomous aircraft, with increasing levels of automation being integrated to enhance safety and efficiency over time.

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California-based Joby Aviation announced Tuesday the eVTOL manufacturer and operator plans to create “our own pilot academy” to train pilots how to fly Joby’s as-of-yet uncertified new aircraft.

Speaking at a virtual presentation about certification, Joby Head of Government Affairs Gregory Bowles said details about the academy will be announced in the future, but he offered some context about career paths that might lead to Joby.