Aircraft
Electric Flyers Might Soon Fly Velis Electro
The Velis Electro is the world' first certified electric aircraft to make it into commercial production, and most buyers are using it for flight training.
Pipistrel Velis Electro
Textron eAviation's Pipistrel Velis Electro at the company flying club in Wichita. (Photo: Matt Thurber/AIN)

Although it isn’t certified yet in the U.S., some Pipistrel electric-powered Velis Electros are flying here, and pilots and maintainers are gaining experience with the aircraft. The FAA recently announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would finally allow manufacturers of light sport aircraft (LSA) such as the Velis to gain approval for electric power under LSA regulations. The Velis Electro is type certified by EASA.

Meanwhile, Textron eAviation, which bought Pipistrel in 2022 for about $218 million, has been flying a Velis Electro in Wichita and letting company pilots learn the constraints and pleasures of flying the new machine.