USAF Eglin test pilots evaluate Pipistrel Velis Electro
After a quick taxi out to Duke Field’s runway, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty spun up the 21-foot, electric aircraft’s 80-horsepower engine and zoomed forward. The Pipistrel Velis Electro quietly lifted off heading north as the sun dipped in the west around dusk. The 96th Test Wing commander was one of approximately 20 test pilot volunteers to try out the electric aircraft with the 35-foot wingspan during its three-week field trip...
Air League launches UK’s first electric aircraft flying scholarships
The Air League has opened applications for the UK’s first ever electric-powered aircraft scholarships. On offer this year are five 5-hour flying scholarships, to be delivered by Approved Training Organisation (ATO) Saxon Air based at Norwich Airport. In addition to the airborne training, scholars will also receive simulator training time, ground school, and sustainability-focussed workshops. The school will be delivering the flying...
IFA invests €2.1m in training fleet additions
Portugal’s International Flight Academy (IFA) has confirmed a new €2.1m contract with Textron for seven Pipistrel aircraft. Two of the new aircraft will be the Velis Electro model, the world’s only certified fully electric aircraft, powered by two water-cooled lithium batteries, with a flight range of 50 minutes, plus reserves. The two new electric trainers will be the first of their kind in Portugal, the school confirmed. The...
