Joby progresses toward receiving Part 135 air carrier certificate

Joby Aviation announced on Tuesday that it is one step closer to receiving its Part 135 air carrier certificate from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), officially beginning the fourth stage of the five-stage process last week.

“Our aspiration is to not just build and certify a revolutionary aircraft, but to operate a commercial passenger service that saves people time with minimal impact on the environment,” said Bonny Simi, head of air operations and people at Joby, in a press release. “Achieving a Part 135 certification unlocks the ability to do that, and we’re moving through the process ahead of schedule.”

The company said after filing its initial application for a Part 135 certificate in June 2021, it completed its second stage two months later, which included submitting a complete package of manuals to the agency. During the third and fourth stages of this process, aerospace companies can expect the FAA to review and approve the manuals, and observe the company performing operations to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Joby said it has now reached the fourth stage as of last week, when FAA representatives started observing the company’s pilot instructors demonstrate training and operational procedures using the company’s manuals and training program, which Joby began bolstering through its partnership with CAE.

The California-based eVTOL developer said it expects to complete the fifth stage and receive its Part 135 certificate later this year.

As an eVTOL company that plans to not only manufacture but also operate its own aircraft, Joby has been working toward receiving its Part 135 air carrier certificate in parallel with the type and production certifications for its five-seat eVTOL aircraft. Joby was the first eVTOL developer to sign a G-1 stage 4 certification basis with the FAA, after received its initial stage 2 signed G-1 in 2019. The company began conformity testing for FAA credit last month.

While it is still unclear how Joby’s February accident will impact its certification timeline, the company has previously said it is aiming to receive type certification next year.