The FAA has accepted Joby's certification plan for its propulsion system, marking a critical step towards receiving type certification for the company's aircraft.

The propulsion system is central to the sector-leading performance of the aircraft. The accepted certification plan includes the electric propulsion unit, propeller system, variable pitch actuation, coolant pump, nacelles and associated electrical wiring, clearly defining the route to certifying these systems for use in commercial passenger operations.

"We now have an approved path across our certification programme for all of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems of our aircraft. This sets the stage for our team to execute against that path with a well-defined approach to 'for credit' testing and analysis as we continue to lead the industry towards certifying an electric air taxi with the FAA," says president of aircraft OEM Didier Papadopoulos. "I'm grateful to the incredible Joby team as well as the dedicated personnel at the FAA who continue to work hard to bring safety and innovation together, keeping the United States at the forefront of new aviation technology and capabilities."

The FAA type certification process is a rigorous review of the design, manufacturing and performance of a novel aircraft type, requiring the applicant company to demonstrate that every aspect of its aircraft meets applicable safety regulations.

With all but one certification plan accepted and the final document currently under FAA review, Joby is nearing completion of the third of five phases of the type certification process and has shifted its focus to the fourth stage, comprising detailed testing and analysis across the aircraft's components and systems.

In 2023, Joby completed 30 'for credit' tests with the FAA, covering a number of flight electronics units as well as structural materials. The testing methods and processes validated through these tests lay the foundation for the company's continued expansion of FAA 'for credit' testing.

Joby also recently received its Part 145 maintenance certificate from the FAA, allowing the company to perform select maintenance activities on aircraft.