Joby Aviation first conforming aircraft heads to final assembly

Joby Aviation (JOBY) announced it is preparing for final assembly of its first conforming aircraft intended for Type Inspection Authorization flight tests. TIA flight testing of a conforming aircraft is a convergence of three critical initiatives within Joby that are aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration standards: relevant test plan approvals, a design that meets FAA standards and the ability to manufacture the conforming design. Having successfully progressed all three ahead of assembly, including FAA acceptance of more than half of the company’s test plans, this milestone continues to move Joby into the final stage of FAA certification and closer to commercializing its electric air taxi. Joby expects its pilots to start flying this aircraft in 2025, with FAA pilots following shortly thereafter to directly evaluate the aircraft’s performance and safety. This testing is central to the certification process and forms a key part of the fifth, and final, stage of the type certification process.