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Joby eVTOL Powers On First Conforming Aircraft
Joby Aviation has powered on its first conforming eVTOL in Santa Cruz, advancing into the final phase of FAA type certification.
Joby eVTOL power-on testing began at a facility in Santa Cruz, California, marking a key milestone as the program moves toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification. The company says these systems checks let engineers validate electrical, propulsion and control integration before the airplane flies ‘for credit’—that is, flight tests that count toward certification.
What the Joby eVTOL milestone means
The aircraft is built for urban air taxi and commercial service; data from power-on and upcoming flight tests will feed FAA safety and performance determinations. Joby confirmed its pilots will conduct ‘for-credit’ flight testing later this year, while FAA pilots are expected to fly the conforming aircraft in 2026. The announcement underscores progress on Joby’s route to a certified commercial eVTOL operation.
Joby also noted it will release Q3 2025 financial results after market close today, tying technical progress to the company’s broader business timeline. The company has emphasized testing transparency and collaboration with the FAA as central to reaching commercialization milestones.
- Power-on testing started in Santa Cruz, California — first full systems checks on the conforming prototype.
- Allows ‘for-credit’ flight testing by Joby pilots later this year, with FAA pilot involvement expected in 2026.
- Data will support FAA type-certification safety and performance assessments for urban air taxi operations.
- Company to publish Q3 2025 financial results after market close today.
The move to power-on testing is typical in aircraft certification: ground verification comes first, then incremental flight envelopes that validate handling, systems redundancy and emergency procedures. For Joby, each step narrows the gap between demonstration aircraft and a certified fleet that could operate scheduled urban air taxi routes.
