Transport Canada Approves Trio of Pipistrel Electric Aircraft
Transport Canada has officially validated the type certificates for three Pipistrel aircraft: the Velis Electro, Velis Club, and Explorer. This milestone allows Canadian operators to purchase and fly these aircraft, opening new opportunities for flight schools to integrate cutting-edge platforms into their training programs.
The Velis Electro
The Velis Electro is particularly significant as the world’s first type-certified electric aircraft, producing zero emissions and just 60 decibels of noise—significantly quieter than traditional piston aircraft. The two-seat aircraft offers a lower-cost, zero-emissions solution for early-stage pilot training with 88 knots cruise speed and 56 minutes flight endurance.
The Explorer
The Explorer model offers superior performance for remote operations with day and night VFR operations capability, intentional spins certification, maximum cruise speed of 133 KTAS and range of 625 nautical miles.
The Velis Club
The Velis Club uses a Rotax 912 S3 engine and is certified for glider towing and basic flight instruction.
This validation follows earlier certifications by EASA and the UK CAA, and represents growing international recognition for Pipistrel’s innovative aircraft designs under Textron ownership.