Joby Aviation Starts Power-On Testing Of Its First FAA-Conforming Aircraft For Type Certification

Joby Aviation, Inc. has initiated power-on testing for its first FAA-conforming aircraft, a significant step toward commercial passenger service. This development allows Joby to perform extensive hardware and software integration tests in preparation for "for credit" flight testing with FAA test pilots. The TIA testing is a crucial part of the final stage in the FAA Type Certification process, marking an important milestone for Joby.

The initial TIA-ready aircraft was constructed using Joby's quality management system, adhering strictly to the intended type design for TIA testing. Each aircraft will feature FAA-conforming components as per Joby's approved test plans. These components are built to designs approved by FAA Designated Engineering Representatives and inspected by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives.

Power-on testing is the preliminary step in preparing Joby's TIA aircraft for "for credit" flight testing. Flight tests by Joby pilots are anticipated later this year, with FAA pilots expected to take over in 2026. During TIA testing, Joby will collaborate closely with the FAA to ensure the aircraft meets all safety and performance standards.

"Beginning this aircraft subsystem testing is the culmination of more than a decade of focused engineering and certification refinements," said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby.

"This is the moment where our intended type design, our manufacturing process, and our certification strategy converge into one physical asset. It validates that we can design a safe aircraft and produce it reliably. This first testing step is one of the most important milestones in Joby's history to date and puts us closer than ever to achieving FAA certification."

The TIA phase involves several key tests: Performance Validation, Control and Handling, and Maintenance and Operations. Performance Validation includes assessing range, speed, and energy management under real-world conditions by both FAA and Joby pilots. Control and Handling tests evaluate flight controls across all flight regimes from vertical takeoff to landing.

Maintenance and Operations validation ensures operational procedures align with commercial service requirements. This includes reviewing maintenance manuals, pilot training curricula, and verifying onboard systems' functionality such as avionics and propulsion redundancies.

The data gathered during these TIA tests will assist the FAA in making its final decision on granting a Type Certification for Joby's aircraft. This approval is essential for operating the aircraft commercially. The successful completion of these tests brings Joby closer to achieving its goal of offering electric air taxi services.

Ambitious Take-Off In The UAE

Joby Aviation is collaborating with Dubai's Road and Transit Authority and Skyports Infrastructure to establish a network of launch nodes. These will connect Dubai International Airport with key locations such as Dubai Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. The first vertiport at Dubai International is expected to be completed by early 2026.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) this year partnered with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure to introduce advanced air mobility taxi services by 2027. The initial vertiport will be built on Al Marjan Island, which will also host a resort opening in 2027. This initiative aligns with RAK's 2030 mobility master plan.

The new service aims to meet the increasing demand for quick and convenient transportation within RAK and across the UAE. An inter-emirate route linking RAK and Dubai is planned, significantly reducing travel time from over an hour by car to less than 15 minutes using Joby's all-electric air taxi.