Electric airplanes are becoming a reality. There are already electric trainers in Europe, but the Federal Aviation Administration is just now considering accommodations for electric aircraft batteries and motors. It is reasonable to think that standards for fully certified aircraft with electric propulsion is well on its way.
Electric aircraft, mainly light-sport trainers, are emerging in Europe and are expected in the U.S., with some aiming for IFR capabilities.
Widespread adoption and full certification (Part 23) face three major hurdles: technological limitations (heavy, low-endurance batteries), slow regulatory adaptation by the FAA, and pilot acceptance challenges.
The author expresses skepticism about rapid battery advancements and predicts that fully certified electric aircraft are likely a decade or more away due to these combined obstacles.
Electric airplanes are emerging as real flying machines. There are electric trainers in Europe, and manufacturers there are working on bigger and better systems. While they’re not really viable yet in the U.S., we should be asking: Is serious IFR behind an electric motor on the horizon?
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