FAA Clears Joby Aviation to Begin Final Testing for Aircraft Certification, What You Need to Know

Published on November 6, 2025

Joby Aviation has officially begun the final testing phase for its first FAA-conforming aircraft, a crucial milestone in the company’s journey towards securing its type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This announcement, made by Joby Aviation on Wednesday, marks the start of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) process, which is the last step before the aircraft can receive its official FAA type certificate.

Power-On Testing Marks the Start of Final Phase

The testing, referred to as the “power-on” phase, signifies the beginning of detailed hardware and software integration checks. These checks are essential for ensuring that the aircraft’s systems are fully functional and ready for the next stage—“for credit” flight testing. According to Joby Aviation, this marks a significant moment in their decade-long effort to develop a fully certified eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft.

The FAA’s approval process is rigorous and Joby Aviation is following the agency’s stringent protocols to ensure the aircraft meets the necessary safety and performance standards. The aircraft being tested was produced under Joby’s FAA-approved quality management system, which ensures that it aligns with the company’s type design. This aircraft will undergo detailed inspections by FAA representatives as part of the TIA process, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Comprehensive Testing to Assess Aircraft’s Performance

The testing phase will proceed with a series of assessments, which will include evaluations of the aircraft’s range, speed and handling during different phases of flight. These phases include vertical takeoff, wingborne cruise and hover—critical aspects of the eVTOL’s operation. In addition to these tests, the FAA will also assess maintenance procedures, pilot training materials and the functionality of key onboard systems such as avionics and propulsion.

Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby Aviation, highlighted the significance of this testing phase, noting that it represents the culmination of over ten years of dedicated engineering and certification work. The aircraft’s transition into the final phase of the certification process comes after extensive development efforts, with the company’s design, manufacturing processes and certification strategy now converging into a tangible product.

Joby Aviation’s Path to Commercial Operations

Joby Aviation pilots will conduct flight tests later this year to ensure the aircraft meets all necessary standards for performance and safety. The FAA, however, will conduct its own set of tests in 2026 to assess the aircraft’s compliance with federal aviation regulations. These tests are critical to the FAA’s final decision on whether to issue a type certificate for the aircraft, allowing Joby Aviation to move forward with commercial operations.

The TIA phase is a crucial step in the FAA’s certification process. The data collected from these tests will play an essential role in the FAA’s evaluation. The agency will use this information to determine if the aircraft is safe for widespread commercial use. Upon successful completion of this phase, Joby Aviation hopes to receive its type certificate, a milestone that will open the door to future commercialization and the introduction of their eVTOL aircraft into the aviation market.

Joby Aviation’s Vision for the Future of Air Mobility

Joby Aviation is based in Santa Cruz, California and has been working diligently to develop an electric aircraft capable of providing safe, efficient and environmentally friendly urban air mobility. The company is poised to revolutionize urban transportation with its cutting-edge eVTOL technology, offering an alternative to traditional aviation methods, reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel options.

Looking ahead, Joby Aviation will provide further updates on its progress during its third-quarter 2025 earnings webcast. The company remains focused on meeting its milestones and advancing towards its goal of transforming the future of transportation.

In conclusion, Joby Aviation has taken a significant step forward in the FAA’s rigorous certification process. The power-on testing phase marks the beginning of the final stages of the Type Inspection Authorization process, with extensive flight tests and data collection to follow. As the company works towards securing its type certificate, all eyes will be on Joby Aviation as it continues its efforts to bring the first certified eVTOL aircraft to the skies.

Image- Joby Aviation