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Joby Aviation Moves A Step Closer to Certification

The California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer has begun FAA conformity testing of its air taxi prototype.

joby aviation evtol
Joby Aviation says it expects its air taxi to be certified by 2023 and to enter service by 2024. [Courtesy Joby Aviation]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Joby Aviation officially entered the implementation phase of the FAA type certification process for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, commencing conformity testing for composite materials.
  • This milestone is a significant step towards the company's goal of achieving FAA type certification in 2023 and launching commercial air taxi services by 2024.
  • The Uber-backed company plans to operate an air taxi service through Uber's platform and recently announced a partnership with SK Telecom to offer services in South Korea.
  • Joby's eVTOL aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot up to 150 miles on a single charge at speeds of up to 200 mph.
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Hailing it as a significant moment, California-based Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) Thursday announced its first entry into the implementation phase of the FAA type certification process in its quest to develop an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. 

An initial series of conformity tests were completed this week in Morgan Hill, California, at a facility operated by Toray Advanced Composites USA, under FAA designated engineering representative (DER) observation. The testing is designed to confirm the material strength of specific composite materials made with a toughened epoxy and strong, lightweight carbon fiber.

Thom Patterson

Thom is a former senior editor for FLYING. Previously, his freelance reporting appeared in aviation industry magazines. Thom also spent three decades as a TV and digital journalist at CNN’s bureaus in Washington and Atlanta, eventually specializing in aviation. He has reported from air shows in Oshkosh, Farnborough and Paris. Follow Thom on Twitter @thompatterson.

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