Joby Aviation has begun installing the first of two high‑fidelity flight simulators developed with CAE at its pilot training center in Marina, California. The simulators are designed to meet FAA Level 7 Flight Training Device (FTD) and Level C Full Flight Simulator (FFS) qualifications, the highest classifications required for Part 135 operations.
The new simulators will serve as a digital twin of Joby’s S4 eVTOL aircraft, providing pilots with a realistic, immersive training environment that mirrors the aircraft’s flight characteristics and emergency procedures. The partnership with CAE, which began in 2022, brings CAE’s Prodigy Image Generator and Unreal Engine technology to create detailed urban airspace scenarios for training.
Joby plans to use the two simulators to train up to 250 pilots each year, a capacity that supports the company’s target of launching commercial air taxi service in early 2026. The simulators are a critical component of the FAA certification pathway, allowing pilots to meet the rigorous training requirements before the S4 aircraft receives type certification.
Bonny Simi, President of Operations, said the simulators are “central to the FAA certification process and are being delivered on time to support pilot training ahead of Joby’s first commercial flights planned for this year.” The timely completion of the simulators signals that Joby’s training infrastructure is on schedule to meet regulatory deadlines.
The installation marks a significant step toward operational readiness, demonstrating Joby’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance while expanding its training capabilities to support a growing fleet of eVTOL aircraft.
The move also underscores Joby’s broader strategy of vertical integration, controlling key elements of the air taxi ecosystem from aircraft design to pilot training, and positions the company to accelerate its commercial launch timeline.
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