News: Joby Flies First FAA-Conforming eVTOL

First FAA-Conforming eVTOL For Joby Flies
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Joby Aviation is winding its way closer to service entry of its eVTOL. The American company has now initiated the final major step before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can give type certification to Joby. Joby Aviation has flown the first aircraft that is an FAA-conforming aircraft. This one, registered N547JX took off for the first time this week and is the first of 5 aircraft that will be under the type inspection authorization (TIA) of the FAA.

For now, the aircraft is flying and operated by Joby, however, the Federal Aviation Administration pilots will then be conducting the requisite testing for the TIA process. 5 aircraft will be utilized in total with one active already the remaining four are under construction at the company's Marina, California facility. This facility once it is up and running to capacity in its current configuration aims to put-out 24 Joby aircraft a year. For now, they are using their Dayton facility to manufacture components that will then be assembled at Marina.

With the TIA process now underway this moves Joby Aviation from being in the developmental phase as it relates to their eVTOL program and into FAA certification testing. Many companies have not been able to transition to this stage. Joby will continue to expand on the public awareness program of the aircraft it is bringing to market via marketing and public demonstration flights. In fact, the company intends to send its previous generation of 'company-conforming' aircraft on demonstration flights in Dubai.

“After focusing on 'for credit' testing at both the equipment and system levels, we’re now moving into the final phase of aircraft-level evaluations,” said Didier Papadopoulos, president of aircraft, Joby. “This is evidence that our rigorous design and certification process is paying off, and we look forward to welcoming FAA pilots to Marina in due course.”

For more information:

Joby Aviation
333 Encinal Street,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060,
U.S.A.
www.jobyaviation.com

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