Public Comments Open on Proposed Certification Standards for First eVTOL Aircraft

Joby’s JAS4-1 has been given FAA airworthiness criteria for future certification, opening up the path to its eventual approval in a first for the eVTOL industry. 

The sustainable aircraft will probably go on to open up a basic template for similar AAM aircraft in the near future, increasingly likely given the quantity of 4-6 seat, multirotor, electric aircraft on the horizon. The development is just the start of its airworthiness process, however, and public comments are open on the criteria for a 30-day window. 

Recent months have shown Joby building up substantive headway in their race to beat the eVTOL crowd to market, from a multi-year partnership with Delta Air Lines to foreign certification steps in Japan. Delta stepped in to provide an upfront equity investment of $60 million in Joby, with the option to expand their total investment to $200 million should they choose to. Not long after, Joby applied for validation of their FAA type certificate by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), preparing for the eventual launch of their services in the country. 

In their recent 3rd quarter report, Joby announced its unsurprising net loss of $79.2 million, with operating expenses of $97.1 million. While the clock is running, the company has been making headway on early manufacturing operations, certifications, and additional fund raising, leaving them in a not entirely uncomfortable position to be in while they navigate a difficult economy. 

FMI: www.jobyaviation.com