Joby secures FAA approval for flight academy

Joby Aviation has reached significant milestones as it prepares to roll out commercial services.

Joby-Flight-Academy-141

Joby Aviation has secured a Part 141 certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), authorising its Joby Aviation Academy to offer streamlined pilot training.

Additionally, the FAA has approved Joby’s voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) under Part 5, enhancing its commitment to operational safety.

The Part 141 certification allows Joby to establish a structured training pipeline for future pilots, offering courses from private pilot qualifications to certified flight instructor training.

This approach aims to ensure a ready supply of qualified pilots for its electric air taxi operations, a critical component of the company’s commercial readiness.

In parallel, Joby’s SMS certification places it ahead of regulatory timelines for safety compliance.

While FAA regulations give air taxi operators several years to meet SMS standards, Joby’s proactive adoption highlights its focus on cultivating robust safety practices, the company said.

The SMS framework requires clear safety protocols and fosters a culture encouraging employees to flag concerns.

These developments mark a step forward in Joby’s plans to revolutionise urban air mobility with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

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