Joby Begins Power-On Testing of First Conforming Aircraft, Enters Final Stage of Type Certification Process
The first of several aircraft to be built by Joby for the FAA’s Type Inspection Authorization begins power-on testing in preparation for “for credit” flight testing. Credit: Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) announced a significant milestone: the start of power-on testing for its first FAA-conforming aircraft built for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). This event is critical as it marks the convergence of the aircraft's intended design, manufacturing process, and certification strategy, moving Joby into the final stage of the FAA Type Certification process. This achievement puts the company closer to its goal of commercializing its electric air taxi service. Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby, called this "one of the most important milestones" in the company's history.
Preparing for "For Credit" Flight Testing
The power-on testing initiates thousands of necessary hardware and software integration tests. This first TIA-ready aircraft was manufactured using Joby's established quality management system with FAA-conforming components, ensuring it adheres precisely to the intended type design required for the upcoming inspections. Following this initial testing, Joby pilots expect to begin "for credit" flight testing later in 2025, with FAA test pilots taking the controls in 2026.
The Scope of Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) Testing
The TIA phase involves Joby working closely with the FAA to validate that the aircraft meets all required safety and performance standards. This comprehensive testing will cover several key areas: validating the aircraft's performance envelope (including range, speed, and energy management), testing the control and handling across all flight regimes (from vertical takeoff to cruise), and validating the future maintenance and operations procedures (including manuals, pilot training, and system reliability). The data collected during this TIA testing is what the FAA will use to issue the final Type Certification, which is necessary for commercial operation.
Joby will also release its third quarter 2025 financial results today, November 5, 2025, followed by a webcast at 5:00 pm ET, accessible through its website, www.jobyaviation.com.
Want more Joby news? Check out more content about Joby Aviation here.
