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Pipstrel announced Monday that the FAA granted a light sport aircraft airworthiness exemption for the Pipistrel Velis Electro. This certification opens up flight training in electric aircraft within the United States.
With this FAA exemption, U.S. flight schools can use electric aircraft within flight training programs. The Velis Electro offers a low-cost and sustainable learning platform for student pilots. With the LSA exemption student pilots can learn flying skills and transition from zero flight experience to flying solo while gaining hands-on experience on a next-gen power system. Pipistrel's electric aircraft has already achieved milestones in Europe and seen deliveries in Canada, but will now have a new opportunity in the U.S. Textron bought the Slovenia-based company in 2022 with plans to form its own electric segment, Textron eAviation, to focus on creating sustainable aircraft. Pipistrel's brand, headquarters and manufacturing continued in Slovenia and Italy following the sale and its founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol remained on as a minority shareholder and Chairman Emeritus to consult on future product plans and strategies through 2024.RELATED STORIES:First Pipistrel Velis Electro electric aircraft delivered in CanadaTextron to acquire Pipistrel in move to accelerate electric aircraft development
"This is a great day for flight training organizations and aspiring pilots," Textron's eAviation segment President and CEO Kriya Shortt said. "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 LSA exemption, or Petition for Exemption to 14 CFR Part 21.190, shows the FAA's commitment to safety and integrating new technologies into the National Airspace System. Pipistrel's Velis Electro became the world's first electric aircraft with full-type EASA certification in 2020. The Velis Electro is the first commercially viable ad type-certified electric aircraft in the world. The aircraft is more than a sustainable option for pilots, it offers lower noise levels of just 60 decibels, low cost and a user-friendly interface. These features make the Velis Electro an ideal choice for flight training with zero carbon emissions.
"The FAA exemption is an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight," Pipistrel President and Managing Director Gabriel Massey said. "We are proud of our team and what we have achieved towards creating the future for electric and sustainable aviation, globally. Taking off for the first time is exhilarating, and even more so in an electric aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing more pilots take to the skies and experience their first flight in the Velis Electro."