Pipistrel Velis Electro earns LSA airworthiness exemption

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a light-sport aircraft (LSA) airworthiness exemption for the Pipistrel Velis Electro, opening up flight training in an electric aircraft within the United States.

The FAA exemption allows U.S. flight schools to use the electric aircraft within their flight training programmes. The Velis Electro offers a lower-cost and more sustainable learning platform for student pilots to acquire flying skills and to go from zero flight experience to eventually flying solo, while giving them early experience on next-generation power systems.

Kriya Shortt, President and CEO of Textron