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, exemplified by projects like the EAA Chapter 406's eXenos and Pivotal's BlackFly eVTOL, are proving remarkably simple to operate and maintain, making them highly accessible for both experienced pilots and new enthusiasts.
- Early adopters and aviation organizations are actively building and flying electric aircraft, highlighting their ease of learning, particularly for ultralights that may not require a pilot's certificate.
- The market for electric aircraft is rapidly expanding, with various models emerging for training, personal flight, and regional travel, indicating a future with significant adoption despite current range and regulatory limitations.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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