Wisk Aero accused of firing manager over safety concerns

A former software manager at Wisk Aero, the electric‑vertical‑takeoff‑and‑landing (eVTOL) venture backed by Boeing, has alleged that the company accelerated its software testing schedule in preparation for a pivotal flight test slated for 2025. The manager, who worked on the autonomous flight‑control system, told reporters that internal pressure to meet the milestone led to a compressed testing timeline that, in his view, compromised thorough verification and validation processes. He said the rush began in early 2024 and involved shortening simulation cycles and reducing the scope of hardware‑in‑the‑loop assessments that are typically required for safety‑critical avionics.

Wisk has not confirmed the allegations but issued a statement saying its development program follows industry‑standard safety protocols and that all testing phases are conducted under rigorous oversight. The company is pursuing certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and aims to demonstrate a fully autonomous eVTOL flight in 2025, a key step toward commercial operations. The claim adds to ongoing scrutiny of the rapid development timelines in the emerging urban air mobility sector, highlighting the balance firms must strike between innovation speed and regulatory compliance.