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 is establishing its own pilot academy to train pilots for its uncertified eVTOL aircraft, a challenge also being addressed by other eVTOL companies like Lilium and Volocopter through partnerships.
Joby's 4-passenger eVTOL aims for FAA certification in 2023, with commercial air taxi service via Uber anticipated for 2024, initially drawing pilots from existing pools.
The long-term vision for Joby's eVTOLs includes transitioning to full autonomy, with initial aircraft incorporating advanced automation to enhance safety and ease pilot workload, gradually moving towards pilotless operations.

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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.