Electric Aircraft Manufacturer Welcomes New FAA Rule

Joby Aviation welcomed the release of new rules designed to enable the operation of Joby’s aircraft in the United States.

Published by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA, the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) establishes requirements for the safe and efficient integration of aircraft like Joby’s into the nation’s aviation system. In doing so, it lays the groundwork necessary for Joby to launch commercial passenger service in the U.S., once the company has received type certification of its aircraft.

"The regulation published today will ensure the U.S. continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby.

In a press release, the FAA referred to the new rule as “the final piece of the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term.” The FAA also stated that the rule “allows for pilots to train in powered-lift with a single set of flight controls,” consistent with Joby’s approach to preparing pilots for commercial service using high-fidelity simulators. In addition, the rulemaking includes regulations that will underpin Joby’s commercial operations, such as helicopter-based energy reserve requirements.

The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, signed into law in May 2024, included a mandate for the agency to prepare for the safe and efficient introduction of electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft into the National Airspace System, in part by finalizing the SFAR.

Designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, the Joby aircraft aims to offer high-speed mobility with a small fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.

What is CAT's view on the FAA rule? See Marty Kauchak’s latest report here.