Joby says early U.S. air taxi operations could begin in 2026 under a federal pilot program. As a founder, seeing a company move from testing toward pilots highlights three practical priorities for hardware-first startups: align early with regulators and operators, build repeatable operational processes rather than one-off prototypes, and engage local communities to earn social license. Planning a pilot? Send me a message. #aviation https://www.santacruzworks.org/news/joby-says-us-air-taxi-operations-could-begin-in-2026-under-white-house-program