The Future is Electric Aviation Training
The world of aviation is evolving, and at the forefront of this change is Pipistrel, a pioneer in electric aircraft manufacturing. The company, founded in 2007, has made significant strides in developing sustainable and efficient aircraft that are changing how we think about flying. With its innovative Velis Electro model and a forward-thinking approach to decarbonizing aviation, Pipistrel sets the standard for electric flight, particularly in the training space. Now, as a subsidiary of Textron — home to iconic brands like Cessna and Beechcraft — the Slovenian aircraft maker is well-positioned to lead the charge toward a greener, more efficient future.
Whether you’re a pilot, a flight school operator, or simply an aviation enthusiast, this article will explore the game-changing advancements that make Pipistrel and its Velis Electro a key player in the future of aviation.
Pipistrel and Its Role in Electric Aviation
For years, Pipistrel has been at the cutting edge of electric aviation. Focused on innovation, the company developed the Velis Electro, the world’s first fully electric light aircraft certified for commercial use by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2021. Shortly after, U.S. certification followed suit, broadening its market reach.
But Pipistrel's dedication to challenging the status quo in flight training makes it genuinely revolutionary. By integrating electric propulsion into aviation training programs, Pipistrel ensures aspiring pilots learn on the cleanest, most modern technology available. Leveraging its position as part of Textron eAviation, Pipistrel benefits from decades of aviation expertise while maintaining its vision for an electric-powered future.
Velis Electro’s Role in the Aviation Training Space
The Velis Electro has become more than an eco-friendly alternative to fuel-powered aircraft; it’s a trailblazer in changing how the industry perceives electric aviation. Despite its compact design, the Velis Electro is a competent training aircraft, delivering unmatched reliability thanks to its simple and durable fully electric powertrain. With more than 100 models delivered across Europe and the United States, it has already demonstrated the future of flight training.
Certification was the first step, but the Velis Electro shines in usability. Its quiet operation significantly reduces noise pollution, making it ideal for flight schools operating in urban or noise-sensitive areas. With lower operational costs than traditional fuel-powered trainers, it presents an economically viable solution for organizations worldwide.
More than just theoretical possibilities, success stories are emerging that showcase the potential of electric aircraft in the skies. FlyOnE, based in Australia, is one such example.
FlyOnE’s Real-World Success with Electric Trainers
Korum Ellis, founder of FlyOnE, has been one of the most vocal advocates for integrating electric aircraft like the Velis Electro into training programs. Over the past four years, FlyOnE has made significant strides in proving the effectiveness and practicality of electric aviation.
“We’ve now flown over 1,800 electric passenger movements, over 1,200 hours of electric training, and nearly 100,000 passenger miles — all electric!” said Ellis. These numbers represent a critical milestone for electric flight and signal the beginning of a massive shift toward sustainable aviation.
By incorporating Velis Electro trainers into its fleet, FlyOnE has significantly reduced its carbon footprint while offering high-quality training. Students gain essential piloting skills and learn to operate cutting-edge technology, making them more marketable in an industry increasingly focused on sustainability.
This impactful use case emphasizes that electric flight is not a distant dream—it’s here and working.
Game-Changer: Pipistrel’s Second-Generation Batteries
While the Velis Electro has already proven its game-changing potential, Pipistrel continues to refine its technology. The latest development? Second-generation batteries that significantly enhance both performance and reliability.
“These advanced batteries offer increased energy density, enabling longer flight durations and more efficient power management than previous versions,” said Gabriel Massey, president and managing director of Pipistrel.
These enhancements deliver tangible perks for training purposes. Extended flight times mean fewer interruptions during lessons, enabling students to cover more ground in less time. Improved power management ensures safer and more consistent performance during flights, reducing the cognitive load on student pilots as they master the aircraft’s controls.
For flight schools, these advancements translate into fewer charging cycles, longer battery lifespans, and reduced overall operating costs—all while enhancing the student experience.
Pipistrel Velis Electro: The Future of Electric Aviation
Pipistrel’s Velis Electro's continued success and groundbreaking technologies, such as second-generation batteries, point to a bright future for electric aviation. From flight training to short regional hops, the shift toward electric aircraft is gaining momentum, opening up new opportunities for pilots, schools, and aviation businesses.
Imagine a world where student pilots train exclusively on electric aircraft, supported by quieter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly technology. Imagine aviation businesses standing out by offering sustainable, low-cost passenger flights for regional travel powered entirely by electricity. Pipistrel is making this vision a reality.
Quick Features
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is a two-seater with a maximum flight time of 50 minutes, with enough reserve should an issue arise. The battery can be charged to 80% within 120 minutes. It has a maximum altitude of 12,000 feet and a typical cruising speed of 93 KCAS (107 mph).
A typical startup requires only four switches, bypassing the long flight checklist of fuel-powered aircraft. No warm-up is necessary.
Why It Matters
The aviation industry is at a crossroads. With rising fuel costs, stricter environmental regulations, and mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, electric aviation provides a clear path forward. By investing in innovative platforms like the Velis Electro, we can create a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient future for aviation.
This evolution also opens up exciting new possibilities for growth and innovation for pilots and flight schools. Learning to fly an electric aircraft prepares today’s students for the realities of tomorrow’s aviation landscape and reinforces their role in pioneering a more sustainable industry.
Explore the Future of Aviation
Pipistrel’s electric aircraft are more than just transportation — they represent a new era of possibilities in aviation. Whether you’re looking to train, travel, or explore the skies, electric flight is poised to redefine the industry as we know it.
If you want to know more about this or similar aircraft, try connecting with Pipistrel for updates on their innovative products and explore how electric aviation can transform your flying experience today.
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