Joby Powers Up First FAA-conforming eVTOL Prototype

Joby Aviation has commenced power-on testing of the first of several aircraft built for FAA type inspection authorization (TIA). The piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft prototype is due to make its inaugural flight later this year, with the U.S. air safety agency's pilots set to take the helm in 2026 to conduct “for-credit” testing.

In a letter to shareholders issued November 6, Joby explained that “TIA is widely understood to mark the final stage of the type certification process.” Joby estimates it has completed 75% of the fourth and penultimate phase, dubbed “testing and analysis,” with the remaining portion to be completed over the next year. Although the start of TIA testing is in line with earlier timelines, Joby has not, however, clarified dates around certification expectations.

The power-on milestone marks a new phase of development for the California-based startup, whose seven pilots have performed more than 600 flights this year (albeit using non-conforming prototypes). “This first testing step is the moment where our intended type design, our manufacturing processes, and our certification strategy all converge into one physical asset,” confirmed Joby.

Joby’s ongoing construction and verification work will be bolstered by the $978.1 million it holds in cash, cash equivalents, and investments: marginally up from the $991 million at the end of the second quarter.

The first conforming model has been in final assembly since mid-2025, with founder and CEO JoeBen Bevrit explaining in August: “The [TIA] aircraft is nearly identical to the aircraft that we’ve been flying before.” A total of five aircraft will participate in different elements of the upcoming campaign, all of which are currently under construction. With the design and intended construction processes for the certified craft essentially “locked in,” Joby has also recently expanded its in-house manufacturing of propeller blades.

A separate gas-turbine variant, which Joby is developing in partnership with L3 Harris for potential defense applications, is also set to commence flight testing “imminently,” the company confirmed. First announced in August, this optionally piloted aircraft will use the “Superpilot” autonomous flight technology that Joby inherited through its acquisition of Xwing last year.  is seeking additional U.S. government funding.