Joby Aviation has started power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming aircraft, one of several to be built for type inspection authorisation (TIA). This milestone allows Joby to begin thousands of hardware and software integration tests in preparation for “for credit” flight testing with FAA pilots.

“Beginning this aircraft subsystem testing is the culmination of more than a decade of focused engineering and certification refinements,” says Didier Papadopoulos, president of aircraft OEM at Joby. “This is the moment where our intended type design, our manufacturing process and our certification strategy converge into one physical asset. It validates that we can design a safe aircraft and produce it reliably. This first testing step is one of the most important milestones in Joby's history to date and puts us closer than ever to achieving FAA certification.”

The first TIA-ready aircraft was manufactured under Joby’s established quality management system and adheres precisely to the type design required for TIA testing. Each TIA aircraft will use FAA-conforming components built to FAA-approved designs and inspected by designated airworthiness representatives.

Power-on testing is the first stage of preparing Joby’s TIA aircraft for “for credit” flight testing, which is expected to begin later this year with Joby pilots. FAA pilots will take over in 2026.

During TIA testing, Joby and the FAA will validate the aircraft’s performance, handling and operational safety, including range, speed, maintenance, pilot training and reliability of onboard systems. Data collected will inform the FAA’s final decision on Joby’s type certification.