UAM company Wisk, which is developing all-electric, self-flying air taxi Cora, has resumed flight testing in the US and New Zealand. The flight tests will evaluate the performance of the aircraft in a real world environment, while collecting data that will help inform the further development, operation, safety features and certification of the aircraft.

“We are excited to resume test flights following a brief pause due to COVID-19,” says CEO Gary Gysin. “The team's dedication over the past few months has allowed us to remain focused on critical non-flight areas, such as certification, software development and operations. This has allowed us to maintain momentum during this unique time. But it's awesome to be flying again.”

Flight tests had been temporarily paused due to shelter-in-place restrictions resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the company had completed more than 1,300 test flights expanding the flight envelope, providing data for model, design and requirements updates, and maturing procedures to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently.

“Our first priority has always been safety, both for our employees and in the development of our aircraft,” comments Carl Engel, flight test director. “As we return to flight testing, we have implemented a number of procedures and social distancing measures based on best practices and recommendations from local and national health and government organisations.”