Embry-Riddle Pursues Electric Flight Training

University embraces Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft to reduce emissions and redefine pilot instruction for a greener future.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 02:15 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro is the world’s first type certified electric airplane. [Courtesy: Right Rudder Aviation/Andrew Chan]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is spearheading sustainable aviation efforts with a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, supported by Inflation Reduction Act funding.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a key participant, integrating the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first type-certified electric aircraft, into its training fleet.
Pilots transitioning to the Velis Electro experience a responsive flight with instantaneous throttle and less noise, adapting to new procedures for monitoring energy consumption and battery health.
ERAU's commitment to sustainability extends to research, exploring hybrid-electric power and other greener aviation technologies, and using data from electric training flights for future development.

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The FAA wants aviation to clean up its act—specifically, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Last year the agency announced $291 million from the Inflation Reduction Act would support projects aimed at reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. One of the first stakeholders to accept the challenge was Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), which is embracing electrically powered aircraft as part of its training fleet.