Joby Prepares for First Wave of Air Taxi Pilot Training With CAE Flight Simulators
A Joby flight instructor tests the first of two next-generation flight simulators from CAE. Credit: Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation is officially gearing up for takeoff. The Santa Cruz-based pioneer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft just announced the arrival of its first high-fidelity flight simulator, developed in partnership with global training leader CAE.
This isn’t just a piece of tech—it’s a critical bridge to commercial flight. The simulator is the first of two units destined for Joby’s recently expanded manufacturing and pilot training center in Marina, CA.
Why It Matters for the Central Coast
As Joby nears its goal of launching commercial air taxi service as early as this year, the need for a scalable pilot pipeline is paramount. Here’s the breakdown:
Training Power: Once both units are operational, Joby will have the infrastructure to train up to 250 pilots annually.
Ultra-Realism: The simulators use Epic Games’ Unreal Engine and AI to create 3D urban environments, mirroring the exact "digital twin" physics of the Joby aircraft.
FAA Readiness: These devices are scheduled for the highest levels of FAA qualification, a mandatory step for Joby’s Part 135 commercial operations.
A Long-Term Local Partnership
The delivery is the result of a multi-year collaboration that began in 2022. While the simulators are landing in Marina, the software and hardware components were rigorously tested across Joby’s facilities in Santa Cruz, San Carlos, and Costa Rica.
The second unit—a full-motion simulator—is expected to arrive later this year, further cementing the Monterey Bay region as a global hub for the future of sustainable aviation.
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