Joby Aviation has begun flight testing its first FAA-confirming electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for type inspection authorisation (TIA).
The eVTOL developer said this marks a “major step” to type certification.
Initial testing by Joby pilots will enable FAA pilots to visit Joby's facility in Marina, California later this year to conduct the “rigorous TIA testing” to validate the aircraft for commercial service.
The aircraft (N547JX) is the first of a fleet currently in production to support TIA testing, and has been assembled using an airframe and components built to FAA designated engineering representative-approved designs and signed off by FAA designated airworthiness representatives, as specified in Joby’s FAA-approved test plans.
“Seeing this aircraft fly means everything to our team,” said Joby president of aircraft OEM Didier Papadopoulos. “It’s the validation of years of hard work and marks our entry into the final phase of bringing this aircraft to market.”
This comes after the US government selected eight proposals for the its eVTOL integration pilot programme (eIPP) to support advanced air mobility (AAM) development in the country. The eight projects span 26 states from companies including Joby, as well as Archer, BETA, Electra, Elroy Air, and WISK.
The approvals allow Joby the opportunity to fly in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah.