Flying Taxi Company Third Stage Certification Approved by FAA

Joby Aviation, the California eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxi developer, has completed the third of five stages for official certification.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Joby’s certification plans covering all of the electric aerial vehicle’s (EAV) structural, mechanical and electrical systems and the company’s approach to cybersecurity, human factors and noise.

The approval lays the groundwork for Joby to begin for-credit testing across all areas of its EAV program.

In the next stage of the certification process, Joby plans to complete tests and analysis for FAA credit covering every component and system as well as the entire EAV.

“Joby continues to lead the industry towards bringing electric air taxis to the commercial market.,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. “Our certification and engineering teams are best-in-class and, working closely with the FAA, continue to support U.S. leadership in this new area of aviation.”

Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation recently received Part 145 certification from the FAA, which allowed both EAV makers to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul services on the flying taxis once they are certified for commercial operations.

Jony and Archer are among the major flying taxi firms globally.

Related:Flying Taxi Plant Set for Ohio; $500M Investment Planned

Joby’s air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers and travel at speeds of up to 200 mph.

There also are smaller EAVs being developed, such as those by Volocopter in Germany and EHang in China, both of which are designed to carry one or two people. In the case of EHang, the EAV is designed to fly pilotless.

Most EAV’s take off and land straight up and down, eliminating the need for traditional aircraft runways.

Joby and Archer have been working on developing their flying vehicles for years. The first commercial use is expected in 2025 or 2026, pending all the required FAA approvals.

Joby recently selected Dayton, Ohio, as the location to build facilities to deliver up to 500 flying vehicles a year.

Archer manufacturing is set to be done in Covington, Georgia.

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