FAA Gives Exemption To Allow Flight Training In Velis Electro

The FAA has allowed an exemption to light sport rules for the Textron/Pipistrel Velis Electro. The agency has permitted an exemption to 14 CFR Part 21.190, the special airworthiness certificate for light sport category aircraft, and that will pave the way to use it for flight training. The aircraft, which is type certified in Europe, was designed as a low-cost training platform and Textron, which bought Pipistrel in 2022, is focused on that market for the plane. The main exemption was allowing the use of the electric motor as power. Existing LSA rules require that they have reciprocating engines. The other exemptions allow students and instructors to log time in the plane. The exemption will be limited to 350 aircraft starting at serial number 150.

“This is a great day for flight training organizations and aspiring pilots," said Kriya Shortt, CEO of Textron's eAviation segment. "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.” Textron has not announced any deals with flight schools but Pipistrel President Gabriel Massey hinted that's coming. "We are looking forward to seeing more pilots take to the skies and experience their first flight in the Velis Electro," he said.

With its relatively short endurance of about an hour, the Velis Electro is suited to training missions in the immediate airport environment and it addresses a few issues besides cost. One of the big knocks on flight schools is the constant drone pattern work, especially the frequent takeoffs. "The aircraft is quiet, producing noise levels of only 60 decibels, low cost and user-friendly, making it an ideal solution for flight training with zero carbon emissions," a company news release says. For longer lessons and those teaching engine management skills, students will fly in conventional trainers.