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My First Electric Flight

Does the Pipistrel Velis Electro have a place in flight training right now?

The Pipistrel Velis Electro takes on a charge between flights. That can last from 60 minutes to two hours depending on the outlet and charging unit used. [Photo: Julie Boatman]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pipistrel Velis Electro provides a unique electric flight experience, requiring careful power and endurance management akin to glider flying, which could foster improved pilot decision-making.
  • It is well-suited for primary (pre-solo) flight training, offering a more economical and sustainable option for initial pilot development.
  • The primary obstacle for high-volume flight schools is the 1-2 hour battery recharge time between flights, though it is considered a crucial intermediate step toward sustainable aviation.
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“We can just pull the power to off while we finish getting ready.”

It took me a second to register what Andy Chan of Right Rudder Aviation meant as we completed steps in the before takeoff checklist. For a number of reasons—the electric motor doesn’t need to “warm up,” and we want to preserve every bit of battery juice for the flight ahead—it makes sense to “throttle back” to zero once we’d checked the battery status and a few other items.

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