CAE Delivers First eVTOL Simulator to Joby’s Pilot Academy

CAE has delivered the first of two eVTOL flight simulators to Joby Aviation’s pilot academy in Marina, California. The fixed-base platform is expected to receive FAA level-7 flight training device qualification, whereas the second unit to be delivered later this year will be a level-C full flight simulator with a six-axis motion platform, Joby said in a January 6 announcement. 

Joby and CAE have been collaborating on flight simulation technology for the single-pilot, four-passenger JAS4-1 eVTOL aircraft since 2022. In addition to developing high-fidelity simulators, CAE operates what it claims is the world’s largest civil aviation training network.

According to Joby, its JAS4-1 simulators incorporate many of the same technologies used to train pilots at major airlines worldwide. It features the CAE Prodigy image generator, which leverages gaming technology to create highly realistic and detailed 3D urban visuals. 

“These simulators set a new benchmark for training infrastructure in urban air mobility,” said Alexandre Prévost, president of civil aviation at CAE. “By leveraging decades of expertise in high-fidelity simulation, we are helping Joby prepare pilots for safe, efficient operations and supporting the industry’s transition to sustainable air transportation.”

Bonny Simi, president of operations at Joby, said the two simulators are “central to the FAA certification process and are being delivered on time to support pilot training ahead of Joby’s first commercial flights planned for this year.” 

“Developing flight simulators that are fully qualified by the FAA takes years of work and access to aircraft data, and it is required for Part 135 operations of eVTOL aircraft in the United States,” Simi added. “Having started this multi-year process with CAE in 2022, Joby is progressing in developing qualified, scalable pilot training infrastructure as we near commercial operations.”

On January 7, Joby announced it has signed an agreement to acquire a 700,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio. The company said the additional space in the city will allow it to double its production rate to four eVTOL aircraft each month in 2027, with operations there set to begin this year.