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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.

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

  • Joby Aviation successfully completed FAA-observed static load testing of its electric air taxi's tail structure, a significant step towards achieving type certification.
  • The company is advancing through the FAA's "powered-lift" certification process, having secured various operational approvals and welcoming new regulatory frameworks.
  • Joby aims to achieve type certification by next year to launch commercial air taxi services with Delta Air Lines in major U.S. cities, potentially becoming the first U.S. operator.
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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.

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