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 currently undergoing EASA certification, expected to conclude in 2024, with Textron eAviation planning for it to be night IFR capable with G1000 NXi avionics, initially using the Lycoming IO-540 engine.
Textron eAviation is actively pursuing FAA certification for the electric Velis Electro, which is already EASA certified, to enable its use for flight training in the U.S., citing its lower operating costs and environmental benefits despite existing light-sport aircraft regulations.
Textron eAviation is leveraging Pipistrel's expertise in electric propulsion and aircraft development (from the Velis Electro to hybrid Panthera concepts and the Nuuva cargo drone) to advance a range of sustainable aviation solutions and urban air mobility initiatives.

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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.”