Can Wisk Aero's Autonomous eVTOL Be the First FAA-Certified Air Taxi?

December 22, 2025 at 06:00 PM•2 min read

FAA candidate Wisk Aero's Gen 6 autonomous eVTOL completed its maiden flight, initiating the first zero-pilot air taxi program to transform urban air

Key Points

1Wisk Aero's Gen 6 eVTOL completed its maiden flight on December 16, 2025, in Hollister, CA.
2The aircraft is the first candidate for FAA certification as a commercial autonomous passenger aircraft in the U.S.
3The zero-pilot design uses a ground-based "Multi-Vehicle Supervisor" to oversee operations, enhancing safety and scalability.
4The four-passenger Boeing subsidiary air taxi targets launch in Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Wisk Aero, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boeing, has achieved a major milestone. Their Wisk Aero Generation 6 (Gen 6) eVTOL performed its maiden flight. This historic test took place on December 16, 2025, in Hollister, California. The flight was completely autonomous, a key design feature. This success is a crucial step for FAA certified autonomous eVTOL operations.

The Gen 6 aircraft is the subject of an ongoing type certification project. It is the first-ever candidate for an FAA-certified commercial autonomous passenger aircraft in the U.S. This distinction sets Wisk Aero apart from its competitors. The company has focused on an autonomy-first design.

Key Technology: Autonomous Flight

The Gen 6 is designed as a zero-pilot commercial operation vehicle. It can carry up to four passengers with luggage. The aircraft has no traditional flight controls inside. Instead, it operates using a "Multi-Vehicle Supervisor" model. A human operator on the ground oversees multiple aircraft. This model aims to reduce costs and improve safety. It removes the possibility of human error in flight.

The Boeing subsidiary air taxi has a cruise speed up to 138 mph. Its maximum range is approximately 90 miles (144km). The aircraft operates at altitudes up to 4,000 feet. This performance profile is ideal for urban air mobility.

Path to Commercial Operation

The initial flight was a brief 69-second hover. It validated the aircraft's core flight systems. This success begins an extensive eVTOL flight test campaign. Wisk will first focus on low-speed stability and hover profiles. They will then move to higher speeds and complex maneuvers.

Wisk Aero has a long history in this sector. They have conducted over 1,750 test flights. This work was done across five previous generations of aircraft. The company plans to launch in key markets. These include Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami. Securing regulatory approval is the next critical hurdle.

The electric vertical takeoff and landing sector is growing fast. Wisk's approach could set a new safety standard. Dedicated human oversight from the ground is a pioneering model. This development is a major step toward pilotless air travel. For the latest commercial aviation news, follow industry developments closely. commercial aviation news