Annika Pexton curiously watched George Steed work on a Sonex Xenos kit.
“That doesn’t look that hard,” the 13-year-old Pexton told Steed, technical counselor for Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 406 in Bremerton, Washington.
Pilots Generating Buzz With Electric Aircraft
New cohort of aviators is making use of designs—and some have even taken ownership.
![Pipistrel’s Velis Electro [Credit: Jožef Kovačič]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pipistrel.jpeg)
Key Takeaways:
- Electric aircraft are demonstrating increased ease of building, piloting, and maintenance compared to conventional planes, attracting new generations to aviation through projects like EAA Chapter 406's electric motor glider.
- Early adopters are embracing personal electric aircraft, such as the Pivotal BlackFly eVTOL, valuing their simplicity and recreational potential despite current limitations in range and operational scope.
- The electric aircraft market is rapidly expanding with diverse models, serving both as accessible flying machines for private owners and as educational tools for inspiring future pilots and demonstrating sustainable aviation practices.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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