Pipistrel Sees Path to EASA Certification of the Panthera

The company says the speedy single-engine retract is aimed for initial approval in 2024.

Julie Boatman

Monday, July 25, 2022 at 12:15 AM ET

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The Pipistrel Panthera currently flies in the U.S. under experimental exhibition status. [Photo: Jim Barrett]

Key Takeaways:

The Pipistrel Panthera is on track for EASA type certification by 2024 under Textron's guidance, featuring new goals for night IFR capability, G1000 NXi avionics, and an initial Lycoming IO-540 engine.
Textron eAviation is committed to advancing sustainable aviation, continuing development of the hybrid-electric Panthera and fully electric Velis Electro, and exploring future unleaded fuel options.
While EASA-certified, Textron is actively seeking FAA validation for the Velis Electro in the U.S. for flight training, navigating current Light Sport Aircraft regulations, and leveraging Pipistrel's electric expertise for broader UAM initiatives like the Nuuva cargo drone.

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The much-anticipated initial certification path for the Pipistrel Panthera is underway, according to the company, with the process expected to conclude in 2024. Following its acquisition by Textron, Pipistrel has reconfigured its approach to type certification on the speedy single-engine retract under European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidelines, based on the requirements and certification philosophies of its new owner.

“We have a little different expectation of what the aircraft will be capable of at [type certification],” said Rob Scholl, in an exclusive interview with FLYING. Scholl is CEO of Textron eAviation, under which the Pipistrel business unit resides. “The biggest change to the plan is that we want the airplane to be night IFR capable at entry into service. We also think we have the opportunity to bring the G1000 NXi avionics platform to the airplane.”