The FAA has granted a light-sport aircraft airworthiness exemption for the Pipistrel Velis Electro, opening up the possibility of flight training in an electric aircraft within the USA.
The FAA exemption allows US-based flight schools to use the electric aircraft within their flight training programs.
Pipistrel said that the relief for a Petition for Exemption to 14 CFR Part 21.190 (Issue of a special airworthiness certificate for a light-sport category aircraft) reflects the FAA’s commitment to safely integrate new technologies into the National Airspace System.
Pipistrel, which was originally founded in Slovenia in 1989 was acquired by US aerospace company Textron in 2022. The Velis Electro was certified for use in Europe by EASA in 2020.
Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron’s eAviation segment said, “This is a great day for flight training organizations and aspiring pilots. 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.”
Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel said, “The FAA exemption is an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight. 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.”
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft in the world. The aircraft has noise levels of only 60 decibels and is low cost to operate.
