Joby Aviation has begun flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft as the electric air taxi developer moves into the final stages of certification.

The aircraft will support Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) testing, a critical milestone that allows FAA pilots to evaluate the aircraft before approval for commercial service.

Initial flight tests are being carried out by Joby pilots. FAA pilots are expected to visit the company’s Marina, California facility later this year to begin formal TIA evaluations.

The announcement follows recent U.S. government approval for mature eVTOL aircraft designs to begin early operations under the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).

Through the programme, Joby may conduct operations across Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah.

“Seeing this aircraft fly means everything to our team. It's the validation of years of hard work and marks our entry into the final phase of bringing this aircraft to market,” says Didier Papadopoulos, president of aircraft OEM at Joby Aviation.

“After focusing on 'for credit' testing at both the equipment and system levels, we're now moving into the final phase of aircraft-level evaluations. This is evidence that our rigorous design and certification process is paying off, and we look forward to welcoming FAA pilots to Marina in due course,” he adds.

The aircraft, registered N547JX, is the first in a fleet being produced to support TIA testing and has been assembled using airframe structures and components built to FAA Designated Engineering Representative-approved designs and signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives in line with Joby’s FAA-approved test plans.

Most aircraft components are designed, engineered, tested and manufactured in-house, which the company says improves quality control and shortens development timelines.

The manufacturer expanded its Marina, California manufacturing site in 2025 and began propeller blade production in Ohio.

Joby also recently acquired a 700,000 square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio to support plans to increase production to four aircraft per month by 2027. Over time, the company expects its Dayton facilities could support production of up to 500 aircraft annually.