Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

Joby Starts Testing Electric Air Taxi Structures With FAA

Manufacturer, which is developing a short-range, electric VTOL air taxi for up to four passengers, begins for-credit structural testing with the agency.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 03:29 PM ET

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Joby’s electric VTOL air taxi soars over the company’s pilot production facility in Marina, California. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation successfully completed static load testing of its all-electric air taxi's tail structure, marking a significant step toward FAA certification for its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
The company aims to launch its four-passenger air taxi for home-to-airport service as early as next year in major U.S. cities, in partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Joby is navigating the FAA's recently revised "powered-lift" certification category, making steady progress with various approvals despite a change in the regulatory approach.
Achieving type certification by next year could position Joby to be among the first to launch commercial air taxi operations in the United States.

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Joby Aviation, the manufacturer of a four-passenger, all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air taxi, is putting its aircraft structures to the test under the FAA’s watchful eye.

The company on Tuesday said it completed static load testing of the air taxi’s tail structure—a V-tail design equipped with a pair of electric tiltrotors—for certification credit with the regulator. It’s the first time Joby has tested a major aerostructure with FAA officials present.

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.