Boeing’s Wisk Air Taxi Gains FAA Approval Step

Boeing’s subsidiary, Wisk Aero, has moved closer to introducing self-flying electric air taxis after receiving a pivotal approval step from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This development, reported by Axios, marks progress in Wisk’s journey toward certifying its autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Wisk’s eVTOLs, designed without onboard pilots, represent a breakthrough in aviation. Unlike traditional aircraft, Wisk’s model combines helicopter and airplane features, needing a unique certification. The FAA’s issuance of a “Stage 2 G-1 issue paper” for Wisk outlines airworthiness and environmental standards that the aircraft must meet for future certification. This initial clearance highlights regulatory confidence in Wisk’s vision for autonomous air travel.

Wisk faces tougher certification challenges than other air taxi developers like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, as its aircraft rely on remote monitoring rather than pilots. These companies expect to start piloted air taxi services by 2025, while Wisk is eyeing a launch in Houston by the decade’s end, collaborating with Sugar Land to explore commercial deployment.

The journey to certification for autonomous air taxis is complex, similar to those seen with autonomous vehicles and delivery drones. The FAA is adapting its guidelines as technologies evolve. Wisk’s leadership views this milestone as critical in realizing its goal of commercial air taxi operations, which promises to redefine urban transportation with safer, environmentally friendly options in the future.

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