Air taxi maker Joby gets FAA OK to test first production AAM craft

Joby Aviation has received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test fly the first air taxi completed on its production line – a development expected to facilitate the advanced air mobility (AAM) company’s delivery of the craft to its US Air Force client for experimental use next year. 

Joby announced it had obtained the FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate on Wednesday, as it hosted California governor Gavin Newsom in presenting the first air taxi to roll off its pilot production line in Marina, CA. The permit allows Joby to begin flight testing of the completed AAM prototype, which is slated to be delivered to Edwards Air Force base next year.

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The development is a major move in Joby’s capabilities to manufacture, provision, and operate its AAM aircraft for the US Air Force. That activity comes under a federal Agility Prime…