Transport Canada’s validation of Pipistrel’s aircraft models opens doors for Canadian operators and flight schools, advancing sustainable and versatile pilot training opportunities.
Ajdovščina, Slovenia – 12 November 2025 – Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that Transport Canada has validated the type certificates for its Pipistrel Explorer, Velis Club, and Velis Electro aircraft. This validation allows Canadian operators to own and fly these models, and provides flight schools with the opportunity to integrate advanced aircraft into pilot training programmes.
“Transport Canada’s validation of these aircraft type certificates serves as an acknowledgement of our team’s engineering expertise and highlights the growing international recognition of our products in key global markets,” said Gabriel Massey, president and managing director of Pipistrel. “This validation not only strengthens our position in the Canadian market but also significantly enhances flight training capabilities across the country.”
The Pipistrel Velis Electro offers a zero-emissions, cost-effective training platform. Its low-noise profile, producing just 60 decibels, combined with user-friendly avionics, makes it ideal for flight schools seeking sustainable options. The Velis Electro achieved EASA type certification in 2020, UK CAA certification in 2022, and FAA LSA airworthiness exemption in 2024. Notably, the Velis Electro’s electric engine became the first electric engine to receive type certification validation in Canada in 2024. Pipistrel delivered its first Velis Electro to the University of Waterloo’s Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and partner Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre in 2022, supporting research into electric flight.
The Pipistrel Explorer is designed for superior performance with minimum power requirements, suitable for remote operations in varied temperatures and altitudes. Approved for day and night VFR operations, intentional spins, and equipped with IFR-ready avionics, the Explorer combines versatility with advanced training capabilities. The original Explorer (Virus SW 121) achieved type certification in 2016, with the updated Explorer (Virus SW 121A) earning EASA type certification in 2021.
This latest validation by Transport Canada reinforces Pipistrel’s commitment to advancing sustainable aviation and expanding access to innovative flight training solutions in Canada and beyond.
SOURCE NAD IMAGE: PIPISTREL AIRCRAFT
