Milestone On Way To Flight Testing And Certification

Joby Aviation announced it is prepping its first conforming aircraft for final assembly on the way to Type Inspection Authorization, or TIA flight tests. The company anticipates the first of several aircraft to be used in flight testing will be flying in 2025, followed by FAA pilots to evaluate the aircraft’s performance and safety.

The testing is critical for certification and forms the basis of the fifth stage of the type certification process, and is central to the goal of  commercialization of its eVTOL air taxi.

Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM for Joby said, “Every component, every system, and every test we have completed over the past 15 years has led us to this point. We are now bringing it all together on the first of several aircraft that will be used for the final phase of FAA flight testing. TIA is the final major step in the process of certification and puts us within direct line of sight of a fully certified aircraft ready for commercial operations.”

TIA flight testing brings together three critical elements of FAA certification standards: 1) approvals of the test plans, 2) a design that meets FAA standards, and 3) the ability to manufacture the conforming design.

Papadopoulos added, “We said we'd deliver a conforming aircraft in 2025 and that's exactly what we're doing, all in alignment with FAA support. Meeting our TIA goals is a direct reflection of our team’s extraordinary dedication. Every step forward is a testament to their unwavering focus on safely bringing this aircraft to market.”

FMI:  www.jobyaviation.com/