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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 offers a distinct electric flight experience, emphasizing dynamic power management similar to glider flying to maximize endurance.
  • It is well-suited for primary flight training, particularly pre-solo lessons, due to its benign handling and potential for reduced costs and carbon footprint.
  • Current limitations, such as battery endurance for cross-country flights and a 1-2 hour recharge time, pose challenges for high-volume operations, though it represents a crucial intermediate step towards 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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