Joby Aviation completes aerostructure tests on air taxi for FAA certification 

Joby Aviation has completed a series of major aerostructure tests to gain certification approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

In a press release published on December 17, 2024, the company announced it has completed static load tests on the tail structure of its electric air taxi. These are the first major aerostructure tests done with FAA representatives present for credit.  

The tests took place in Santa Cruz, California, as part of a rigorous testing campaign that examines all structures, components, and systems of the aircraft, producing data that is required for FAA type certification. 

“Our vertically integrated approach to aircraft development gives us the capability to design, build, and test entire aerostructures in-house, providing Joby with a strong foundation to rapidly and efficiently continue to bring innovative technologies to market,” said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby. 

During the tests, Joby engineers applied loads to the aircraft’s tail structure that far exceed the maximum forces the structure would experience during an actual flight. 

The tail structures that meet FAA standards, along with the test procedure, instrumentation, and applied loads, are outlined in Joby’s certification documents, which the FAA has approved for certification.  

Joby’s electric air taxi can transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds reaching 200 miles per hour (321 kilometers per hour). The aircraft provides fast travel with much less noise than helicopters and produces no emissions during operation. 

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