Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Joby eVTOL Begins FAA Testing in California
Joby eVTOL prototype powered up in California as FAA testing ramps toward certification.
Joby Aviation has powered up its first FAA-conforming electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype in California, a milestone step as the company prepares to enter regulatory trials. Joby said the move will support type inspection authorization (TIA) work with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and help validate aircraft systems, ground handling and pre-flight procedures ahead of certification.
Joby eVTOL testing timeline
The prototype — built for urban air mobility operations and short-range passenger flights — will be used in a series of regulatory and operational trials in the coming months. Joby plans to leverage these TIA activities to demonstrate compliance with certification standards and to collect performance data for safety, noise and reliability assessments.
Company executives have reiterated their target to begin commercial passenger air taxi services in the United States by 2026. While the prototype is a key tool for regulators and engineers, Joby is still working through formal FAA milestones required for full type certification and entry into revenue service.
- What’s happening: Joby eVTOL prototype powered up in California to begin FAA type inspection work.
- Why it matters: TIA testing helps prove systems and procedures needed for certification and safe operations.
- Next steps: regulatory flights, data collection and continued refinement ahead of a planned 2026 launch.
The move highlights rapid momentum across the U.S. advanced air mobility sector as rivals and partners accelerate development of electric aircraft for short urban hops. For passengers and cities, the focus will be on how companies like Joby translate prototype progress into safe, quiet and cost-effective services that fit existing airspace and infrastructure.
Expect more flight test updates and regulatory notices from Joby and the FAA as the company moves through TIA phases. Until then, the California-powered prototype represents a visible step from lab and simulation into hands-on testing — a key phase on the road to commercial eVTOL operations.
