Aircraft
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Pipistrel subsidiary is driving electric aircraft innovation at the Textron division
Pipistrel Velis Electro at Sun 'n Fun 2024
At the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo (April 9-15, 2024), Textron eAviation shows off its first Pipistrel Velis Electro to receive an FAA exemption from light sport aircraft regulations. © Chad Trautvetter/AIN

This week at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, Textron eAviation is showing off its first Pipistrel Velis Electro to receive an FAA exemption from light sport aircraft (LSA) regulations. The exemption came March 4 and permits the electric-powered, two-seat airplane to be operated under LSA regulations in the U.S.

Kriya Shortt, the president and CEO of Textron eAviation, told AIN at the show that the company’s goal is to now deliver exempted Velis Electro demonstrators to its dealer network. With the battery providing about 50 minutes of endurance (not including reserves), she noted that the small airplane is ideal for near-airport flight training, meaning practicing takeoffs and landings, as well as pattern work, because of its more muted noise profile.