Pipistrel, announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a light-sport aircraft (LSA) airworthiness exemption for the Pipistrel Velis Electro, opening up flight training in an electric aircraft within the United States.
The FAA exemption allows US flight schools to use the electric aircraft within their flight training programs. The Velis Electro offers a lower-cost and more sustainable learning platform for student pilots to acquire flying skills and go from zero flight experience to eventually fly solo while giving them early experience on next-generation power systems.
Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron’s eAviation segment, says: “This is a great day for flight training organizations and aspiring pilots. With this exemption, the cost barrier to pursuing primary flight training can be substantially reduced. We are thankful to the FAA for its support in bringing more opportunities for electric aviation to the United States.”
Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel, says: “The FAA exemption is an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight. We are proud of our team and what we have achieved towards creating the future for electric and sustainable aviation, globally. Taking off for the first time is exhilarating, and even more so in an electric aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing more pilots take to the skies and experience their first flight in the Velis Electro.”
The relief for a Petition for Exemption to 14 CFR Part 21.190 (Issue of a special airworthiness certificate for a light-sport category aircraft) reflects the FAA’s commitment to safely integrate new technologies into the National Airspace System.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft in the world. The aircraft is quiet, producing noise levels of only 60 decibels, low cost and user-friendly, making it an ideal solution for flight training with zero carbon emissions.
Pipistrel Velis Electro serial number (S/N) 100 has been delivered to valued customer Green Aerolease, a French sustainable aircraft rental business with ambitions to accelerate the environmental transition of the aviation industry across Europe through its turnkey rental service.
“The Velis Electro leads the journey towards more sustainable flight solutions, and the entry into service of S/N 100 is a notable achievement,” said Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel. “Powered by over 15 years of expertise in electric flight, this aircraft brings a more environmentally-friendly option to flight schools with unbeatable cost-efficiency.”
Green Aerolease has also taken delivery of its first Pipistrel Explorer, a versatile two-seat combustion engine aircraft capable of both day and night visual flight rules (VFR) operations. The additional purchase, also available for rental through Green Aerolease, demonstrates the company’s confidence in the manufacturer’s capabilities to deliver superior aircraft across the light sport category, specifically designed for the flight training market.
“The unrivalled efficiency and connectivity that aviation offers can be realized more quietly and sustainably thanks to aircraft such as the Velis Electro,” said Charles Cabillic, Founder of Green Aerolease. “We’re proud to support Pipistrel as it enables the transition to the future of flight.”
Velis Electro S/N 100 will be operated in Germany by Green Aviation Hub, a recently appointed German dealer for Pipistrel’s authorized distributor Finesse Max. The Velis Electro was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020 followed by numerous other regulatory agencies. The aircraft is currently in service in over 30 countries worldwide.
