New Certification Milestone for Californian eVTOL Maker Joby

Getting the green light from the FAA (the Federal Aviation Administration) is neither quick nor easy, and rightly so, because safety should be the first and foremost concern when it comes to disruptive technology. There are many steps along the way, and one of them is known as a Part 145 Certificate.California-based eVTOL maker Joby recently secured this particular FAA certification that will allow it to move further in two important directions; one has to do with performing repairs on conventional aircraft, and the other one opens the door to specialized training for technicians. Starting now, Joby is certified to conduct certain repair services on traditional aircraft (limited to airframe, radio, and instrument) as well as to provide paid training to future aircraft technicians.

This recent certification comes as a natural follow-up to Joby’s partnership with the Aviation High School in Queens, New York. Two years ago, the two decided to add studies on electric propulsion for anyone who might be interested in specializing in eVTOL maintenance one day.

Ultimately, the Part 145 Certificate will allow Joby to conduct and offer MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services for its fully electric air taxis. According to the Californian eVTOL maker, receiving this certification is possibly an industry first.

Last year, Joby focused on bringing to life its first conforming aircraft, which means an eVTOL that comes with all the components and equipment of the intended design, as opposed to simple prototypes. The company-conforming aircraft was manufactured in Marina, California, where Joby operated a low-rate aircraft production facility until it decided upon the location for its commercial-scale factory.

Earlier this year, Joby was linked to another milestone for the entire industry. It joined forces with Clay Lacy Aviation to start implementing the infrastructure for upcoming air taxi operations in Southern California. The initial infrastructure will be set up at the Clay Lacy-operated terminal at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County and will include an electric air taxi charger that Joby also develops.

Joby’s GEACS (Global Electric Aviation Charging System) is an agnostic charging interface compatible with both short-range air taxis and medium-range, fixed-wing electric aircraft. This Californian infrastructure project alone is worth more than $100 million, but it will result in the first air taxi charger in Southern California. Meanwhile, the Joby eVTOL is also proving its prowess at the Edwards Air Force base as part of a pioneering project.