Electric Flight Training Takes Off in Canada with Pipistrel Approval
Canadian aviation is soaring towards a sustainable future with Transport Canada validating the type certificates for three Pipistrel aircraft models — the Velis Electro, the Velis Club, and the Explorer. This approval paves the way for Canadian operators and flight schools to register, own, and operate these aircraft commercially.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro stands out among the three. This two-seat, single-engine aircraft is the world’s first type-certificated electric aircraft, having received EASA certification in 2020. Manufactured under Textron Aviation‘s ownership of Pipistrel, the Velis Electro is a zero-emission aircraft that emits only 60 decibels of noise, making it significantly quieter than conventional trainers. Its dramatically lower operating costs make it an ideal choice for ab-initio flight training environments.
Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel, hailed the approval as a milestone, stating, “This validation not only strengthens our position in the Canadian market, but also significantly enhances flight training capabilities across the country.”
The University of Waterloo’s Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) has been evaluating a Velis Electro in Canada since 2022. Their work has been instrumental in helping Transport Canada understand the performance of these aircraft under real Canadian conditions. With the full type certificate validation now in place, flight schools across Canada can integrate these zero-emission trainers into their full curricula, marking a significant milestone for sustainable general aviation in North America.
Source: Flying Magazine – Electric Velis Aircraft Are Coming to Canada