Whisper Aero, a Tennessee-based startup specializing in cleaner and quieter propulsion systems for drones and aircraft, has appointed Brian Klinka to its Strategic Advisory Board, focusing on certification processes for its propulsion technologies.
Whisper Aero is known for its innovations in electric propulsion, and Brian Klinka brings 35 years of expertise in design, systems integration, and certification within both commercial and military aerospace. His experience includes leadership roles in the FAA, where he developed regulations for UAS and electric aircraft, and Beta Technologies, where he spearheaded systems engineering and certification efforts.
In the early days of electric flight, Brian led key initiatives in Urban Air Mobility, All-Electric Aircraft, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems, developing new policies and guidance for novel vehicles featuring complex propulsion and energy storage systems.
At the FAA, he led the Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation developing regulations for UAS, Electric Propulsion and eVTOL aircraft. Afterwards, as a member of the Executive Leadership team at Beta Technologies, Brian established the discipline of systems engineering, led the Type Design and Production Certification, developed the culture of Safety, and advised the company on a path to market through the stringent regulatory landscape.
“Mark, Ian, and the team have developed breakthrough technologies that will enable game-changing electric propulsion for the next generation of regional and transport aircraft applications, far exceeding the technology advances that other aircraft OEMs are planning to offer the market,” said Brian.
“The Whisper approach to design and manufacturing leverages simplicity, providing a more streamlined path through FAA certification and into production. I’m looking forward to supporting the team as they take the business from the world of R&D to production of electric propulsion systems for commercial and military applications.”
Whisper Aero is preparing to launch its first commercial applications next year while advancing aviation efforts through federally funded R&D projects and emerging AAM markets. Brian’s first contributions to the team will be focused on Whisper’s eQ250, looking at how this propulsor and its production can meet military airworthiness on a path towards future FAA certification. His support will also be instrumental as the team builds toward integration of these propulsion systems on manned aircraft as the premier provider of ultra-quiet, ultra-efficient electric propulsion solutions.
“Brian has a unique combination of strategic insight and deep technical knowledge when it comes to propulsion certification and integration complexities. His insights and team building nature have inspired me for the past 20 years while I was at NASA, and he was at the FAA” said Mark Moore, CEO of Whisper Aero. “I can’t think of a more qualified individual to help Whisper Aero move electric aviation from its Model T era into the mainstream.”
