In preparation for future eVTOL air taxi operations, California startup Joby Aviation is partnering with CAE to develop flight simulation devices to train future eVTOL pilots.
“CAE has a sterling reputation for delivering excellent simulation and training solutions,” said Bonny Simi, head of air operations and people for Joby, in a press release. “We look forward to a world where thousands of Joby pilots are flying our aircraft every day, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner to help make that a reality.”
CAE will use Joby’s core simulation technology, which has been in development for the last five years, to create a suite of pilot training devices for a new generation of pilots to operate Joby’s eVTOL aircraft.
Along with Joby, the global aviation simulation provider has previously partnered with rivals Beta Technologies and Volocopter for eVTOL pilot training, and also has a relationship with Jaunt Air Mobility. These partnerships build on the company’s goal to provide operational support and training solutions for the advanced air mobility market.
“With more than 75 years of experience in the design, development and manufacture of flight simulators, CAE brings extensive expertise with new aircraft types to support the qualification of Joby’s eVTOL fixed base flight training device and full-flight simulator with the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration],” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s group president of civil aviation training solutions.
As both the manufacturer and operator of its aircraft, Joby is also working with the FAA to obtain its Part 135 air carrier certificate, allowing the eVTOL company to be ready to operate commercially once its aircraft receives its type certification.
The California eVTOL developer is looking to certify its five-seat aircraft next year and launch air taxi services in 2024. However, it’s unclear whether the company will be able to stick to its timeline as the National Transportation Safety Board continues to look into the cause of its accident last month, which resulted in Joby losing one of its demonstrators.
