As Joby Aviation Approaches FAA Certification, Should You Buy the eVTOL Stock Now?

<p>Flying taxis have been “just around the corner” for years. But Joby Aviation (JOBY) is making a compelling case that could accelerate its air taxi deployment timeline. Joby just hit what could be its most important milestone yet — one that puts paying passengers a lot closer to climbing into an electric air taxi.</p>
<p>Here's what investors need to know right now.</p>
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<h2>Joby's FAA Certification Progress Is a Big Deal</h2>
<p>Joby recently announced it has begun flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft for TIA (Type Inspection Authorization). This is a major step toward the Federal Aviation Administration issuing a full type certificate, which Joby needs before it can legally carry paying passengers in the U.S.</p>
<p>The company confirmed this aircraft, designated N547JX, was assembled using FAA-approved designs and signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives. Once Joby's own pilots complete initial testing at its Marina, California, facility, FAA pilots are expected to visit later this year to conduct their own “for credit” evaluations. That data feeds directly into the issuance of a type certificate.</p>
<p>Joby also reported a record 18-point jump in progress on Stage 4 of the FAA's five-stage certification process in Q4 of 2025. At the end of February, Stage 4 stood at 80% complete on Joby's side and 73% on the FAA's side.</p>
<p>The progress is the result of Joby's "vertically integrated" approach, meaning the vast majority of its aircraft components are designed, built, and tested in-house. It reduces reliance on outside suppliers and gives Joby tighter control over timelines.</p>
<h2>Joby's 2026 Opportunity Is Huge</h2>
<p>The White House-backed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) recently selected Joby as a partner across multiple winning applications. That gives the company the right to begin early operations across 10 states: Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, according to a company statement.</p>
<p>Moreover, Joby plans to carry its first paying passengers in Dubai later this year. Construction is already underway at two vertiport sites, Dubai International Airport and the American University of Dubai, as part of a six-year exclusive agreement to operate in that market.</p>