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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 has formally entered the implementation phase of the FAA type certification process for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, commencing initial conformity tests on composite materials.
  • The company aims for FAA certification in 2023, with commercial service projected to begin in 2024, after completing thousands of required inspections and tests.
  • Joby plans to operate an air taxi service through Uber's platform and recently partnered with SK Telecom to introduce services in South Korea.
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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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