Photos: First pilot-free eVTOL flies in US, paves way for everyday air travel

Wisk Aero’s Generation 6 (Gen 6) eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft achieved a significant milestone on December 16, 2025, by completing its first fully autonomous passenger flight at the company’s Hollister, California test facility. This flight marks the first FAA type certification candidate for a fully autonomous, passenger-carrying eVTOL in the U.S. Developed over more than a decade through six generations, the Gen 6 is designed from the ground up for autonomy, replacing traditional pilot controls with a “Multi-Vehicle Supervisor” system that allows a single ground operator to monitor multiple aircraft simultaneously. This autonomy-first approach aims to reduce costs and improve safety by minimizing human error. The Gen 6 eVTOL cruises at 120 knots (138 mph) and operates up to 4,000 feet altitude, carrying four passengers plus luggage. Its design features six dedicated lift rotors and six convertible lift/thrust rotors on a 50-foot