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Joby Gets FAA Sign-Off to Launch Air Taxi Flight Academy

Company receives FAA Part 141 approval to begin training the first generation of pilots for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) design.

Joby Aviation electric VTOL air taxi flight academy
Joby received FAA approval to launch an air taxi flight academy, where it will train pilots to fly its flagship vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) design. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Joby Aviation received FAA Part 141 flight academy certification to begin training pilots for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air taxis at its new academy in California.
  • This training program is crucial as powered-lift aircraft are a new category, with the FAA recently establishing special regulations for their pilot certification, including extensive simulator use.
  • The company also secured FAA acceptance for its safety management system (SMS) under CFR 14 Part 5, a vital requirement for its planned Part 135 commercial air taxi operations.
  • These regulatory milestones are key steps enabling Joby to develop its pilot base and advance towards launching its home-to-airport air taxi service, in partnership with Delta Air Lines, as early as next year.
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Joby Aviation—a developer of electric air taxis designed for a pilot to fly as many as four passengers on short-hop flights within major cities such as New York and Los Angeles—is gearing up to train a new generation of pilots.

The manufacturer on Tuesday said it received Part 141 flight academy certification from the FAA, laying the groundwork to begin training qualified aviators at its Joby Aviation Academy in Watsonville, California, a short air taxi flight away from its headquarters in Santa Cruz. The company intends to offer private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor courses, beginning at entry level. Graduates could go on to fly air taxis for Joby or a competitor.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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