Historic Milestone: Electric Aircraft Earns Certification in South Korea
Pipistrel’s Velis Electro has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first nationally regulated electric aircraft to receive certification in South Korea. This landmark achievement paves the way for a new era of sustainable aviation in Asia.
The Civil Aviation Authority of South Korea has granted a safety certificate to the fully electric light sport aircraft, categorizing it as a lightweight model based on its maximum takeoff weight of 600 kilograms. This certification permits the operation of the Velis Electro throughout South Korea and sets the stage for potential flight training applications across the region.
The two-seat electric aircraft, produced by Slovenia-based Pipistrel (now a part of Textron Aviation), continues to hold its unique global status as the only in-service, commercially available electric aircraft with type certification. The Velis Electro has previously secured approvals from:
- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
- UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Transport Canada
With its low noise signature and zero-emission electric propulsion system, the Velis Electro offers significant advantages for flight training operations, especially in urban areas where traditional aircraft noise has been a concern. The aircraft provides approximately one hour of flight time on a single battery charge, with charging taking about the same duration.
This South Korean certification represents a significant step forward for electric aviation in Asia, where environmental concerns and urban density make electric aircraft particularly attractive for pilot training and short-range operations.
Source: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/pipistrel-velis-electro-certified-in-asia/