In a significant advancement for aviation training, Pipistrel has announced that the Eco-Aviation Foundation International has received its first Velis Electro, an electric aircraft set to revolutionize flight training under a FAA airworthiness exemption. This marks the Velis Electro as the first FAA-exempt light sport electric aircraft at Santa Monica Airport.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro, known for its quiet operation at just 60 decibels, affordability, and user-friendly design, offers an eco-conscious solution for flight training with zero carbon emissions. The Eco-Aviation Foundation expects to welcome a second Velis Electro to its fleet in November.
Alongside the introduction of the Velis Electro, the Eco-Aviation Foundation is launching an Eco Flight Ground School, designed to provide aspiring pilots with an extensive FAA-approved curriculum focusing on electric aircraft technologies. The foundation will also introduce a scholarship initiative in partnership with local youth-oriented community centers. These scholarships will fully fund Private Pilot ground school courses and cover the costs for scholarship recipients to take their FAA written tests at nearby testing centers.
The Velis Electro aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission to promote electric aviation and foster eco-friendly flight training, particularly among young adults from underserved communities. By collaborating with community organizations, the Eco Flight Ground School aims to open numerous career pathways in aviation and aerospace for students.
Scott Burgess, President of Eco-Aviation Foundation International, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: “This aircraft is not just a symbol of innovation and the future of clean aviation, but a functional tool to empower the next generation of aviation professionals. While we’re proud to launch these efforts in Santa Monica, we anticipate that flight schools everywhere will embrace this opportunity to engage in similar initiatives. The Foundation plans to facilitate many of these efforts.”
In addition to training programs, the Velis Electro will also offer “discovery flights” aimed at providing hands-on educational experiences for students and community members. These flights are designed to inspire and inform participants about the diverse opportunities within the aviation sector, especially for those who may not have previously considered it a viable career option.
Tricia Steel, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for Textron eAviation Inc., expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “We are proud to see the Pipistrel Velis Electro being used to train students, preparing them for the future of aviation. The Eco-Aviation Foundation International’s initiative not only equips future aviators with experience on next-generation power systems but also plays a crucial role in creating cleaner and quieter communities. This purchase underscores a significant step forward in the continued adoption of sustainable solutions worldwide.”
As the aviation industry increasingly shifts towards sustainability, the Pipistrel Velis Electro represents a promising leap into a cleaner future, equipping the next generation of aviation professionals with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in an evolving landscape.
