Joby Aviation has announced it has begun flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), a major step on the path to type certification. “Initial testing by Joby pilots will pave the way for FAA pilots to visit Joby’s Marina, CA, facility later this year to conduct the rigorous TIA testing required to validate the aircraft for commercial service,” according to the company in a press release.
“Today’s announcement comes just days after the U.S. government cleared the way for mature aircraft designs like Joby’s to begin early operations across the U.S. this year, as part of the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Through the program, Joby has the opportunity to fly in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah, marking a major milestone for the U.S. air taxi industry with the potential to significantly accelerate Joby’s path to commercial service.£
Said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby: “After focusing on ‘for credit’ testing at both the equipment and system levels, we’re now moving into the final phase of aircraft-level evaluations. This is evidence that our rigorous design and certification process is paying off, and we look forward to welcoming FAA pilots to Marina in due course.”
The aircraft (N547JX) is the first of a fleet currently in production to support TIA testing, and has been assembled using an airframe and components built to FAA Designated Engineering Representative-approved designs and signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives, as specified in Joby’s FAA-approved test plans, according to the company.
For more information
https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-s-first-faa-conforming-aircraft-takes-flight
(Image: Joby Aviation)