Aviation News – Joby Aviation has started power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming electric air taxi in Santa Cruz, marking a key step toward commercial passenger operations in the United States.
The aircraft is the first of several to be built for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), a critical phase in the final stage of the FAA Type Certification process. The newly assembled vehicle is constructed under Joby’s FAA-approved quality management system and matches the exact specifications intended for commercial approval. The achievement reinforces Joby’s progress toward offering electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) services in the coming years.
Power-on testing allows Joby engineers to begin thousands of hardware and software integration evaluations before “for credit” flight testing with FAA test pilots. The aircraft features FAA-conforming components that have undergone detailed review and inspection, down to the bolt-level build process, ensuring consistent reliability and traceability throughout certification.
“We are entering the final stretch toward certification, and today’s milestone reflects years of committed engineering, rigorous oversight, and industry collaboration,” a Joby spokesperson said. “Seeing our first FAA-conforming aircraft powered on is an important moment on the path to bringing quiet, zero-emission air travel to the public.”
Joby’s progress positions the company to move into FAA-directed flight testing, a key precursor to launching commercial air taxi services in select markets. The company expects continued aircraft builds, expanded testing, and operational planning to follow.
With power-on testing now underway, Joby moves closer to introducing electric air mobility into everyday transportation networks, potentially reshaping short-distance travel in urban areas worldwide.
Photo Joby Aviation
