FAA seeking public feedback on Joby’s electric air taxi model JAS4-1

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The FAA is seeking comments on the proposed airworthiness criteria for the Joby Aero model JAS4-1 powered lift. The anticipated certification of this aircraft puts Joby a step closer to travel by air taxi. The FAA asks for public comment on the airworthiness of this eVTOL aircraft by Dec. 8.

Since the FAA has not established power-lift airworthiness standards in Title 14 CFR, airworthiness requirements for special-class aircraft are applicable to provide an equivalent level of safety to the existing standards.

The Joby Model JAS4-1 is intended for part 91 and part 135 operations. Joby applied for a type certificate in Nov 2018 and this application was effective for three years. In that three-year window, the applicant may file for an extension if the type certificate has not been issued. The FAA approved the application extension request from Joby and the new type certification basis is June 14, 2022.

Joby expanded its partnership with Uber to integrate an aerial ridesharing service into the Uber app, began working toward certification in 2020 and obtained its Part 135 Air Carrier certificate in 2022. According to the Joby Q3 2022 shareholder letter, Joby is confident it will complete type certification soon and start commercial air-taxi passenger service in 2025.

RELATED STORY: Joby takes step forward in eVTOL operations with Part 135 FAA certification

The JAS4-1 can carry a pilot and four passengers. It uses six tilting electric engines with 5-blade propellers, is constructed of composite materials and has characteristics of both a helicopter and an airplane. Due to the extensive range of features on this special-class aircraft, many standards are considered for performance-based criteria and design features for airworthiness.

The FAA outlined all criteria in detail in the Federal Register. All comments made to the FAA are posted without change, including any written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments submitted will reference a specific portion of the criteria, included with a reason for the recommended change and supporting data.

The FAA will file all comments received in a docket, summarizing each important contact with FAA personnel concerning the airworthiness criteria. The FAA will consider all comments and as the closing date nears they will consider late comments. Based on the types of comments received and information given, the FAA may change the airworthiness criteria.

You can access the FAA document on the Federal Register here.