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 U.S. flight schools to use the electric aircraft within their flight training programmes. The Velis Electro offers a lower-cost and more sustainable learning platform for student pilots to acquire flying skills and to go from zero flight experience to eventually flying 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 organisations 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.”
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.
