Brian Klinka joins Whisper Aero as Board and Strategic Advisor
Whisper Aero has announced the appointment of Brian Klinka as a Board and Strategic Advisor, who will be focused on the certification of its propulsion products.
Klinka brings 35 years of experience in design, development, systems and aircraft integration, test, certification and the management of advanced technology programs across both commercial aviation and military aerospace sectors.
Early career
In the early days of electric flight, he 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.
Klinka said: “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.
“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.”
First contributions
Whisper Aero — based in Crossville, Tennessee — is preparing to launch its first commercial applications next year, while advancing aviation efforts through federally funded R&D projects and emerging AAM markets.
Klinka’s first contributions to the team will be focused on Whisper’s eQ250, looking at how this 80 lbf 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. Earlier this year, Whisper unveiled details about its 100-seat jetliner concept at the Ohio Air Mobility Symposium.
Mark Moore, CEO of Whisper Aero, added: “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. I can’t think of a more qualified individual to help Whisper Aero move electric aviation from its Model T era into the mainstream.”