Slovenian light aircraft developer Pipistrel has made its first delivery of an all-electric Velis Electro two-seat flight trainer airplane in the U.S. The Textron eAviation subsidiary delivered the electric trainer to the nonprofit organization Eco-Aviation Foundation International at Santa Monica Airport near Los Angeles, the company announced on September 24.
Although the manufacturer has not obtained FAA type certification for the Velis Electro, the agency is allowing the aircraft to operate in the U.S. under an airworthiness exemption it issued in March. The exemption allows the Velis Electro to fly under light sport aircraft (LSA) regulations, which otherwise exclude airplanes with electric propulsion systems. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued Pipistrel a type certificate for the Velis Electro in 2020, making it Europe’s first certified electric airplane.
“This aircraft is not just a symbol of innovation and the future of clean aviation, but a functional tool to empower the next generation of aviation professionals," said Scott Burgess, president of Eco-Aviation Foundation International. “While we’re proud to launch these efforts in Santa Monica, we anticipate that flight schools everywhere will embrace this opportunity to engage in similar efforts. The Foundation plans to help facilitate many of these initiatives.”
The foundation is launching what it calls an Eco Flight Ground School in Santa Monica, along with a scholarship initiative to fund private ground school courses that will include training on electric aircraft technologies, according to Textron eAviation. Those scholarships will also cover the cost of FAA written tests. Textron eAvation plans to deliver a second Velis Electro to Eco-Aviation Foundation International in November.
“We are proud to see the Pipistrel Velis Electro being used to train students, preparing them for the future of aviation,” said Tricia Steel, vice president of global sales and marketing for Textron eAviation. She added that the initiative “not only equips future aviators with experience on next-generation power systems but also plays a crucial role in creating cleaner and quieter communities.”