Pipistrel, the electric aircraft maker that was purchased by Textron Aviation, has now delivered its first Velis Electro aircraft in Canada as the company seeks certification in North America.
The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) at the University of Waterloo and its partner Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), will use the plane to increase their research to evaluate battery-powered electric flight in Canada, according to a statement from Pipistrel.
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The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world’s first and currently only in-service, commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft, having achieved EASA type-certification in 2020 and UK CAA certification earlier this year.
The two-seat, fixed-wing aircraft produces noise levels of 60 decibels and no exhaust gases while cruising at an average speed of 90 knots and covering a range of 108 nautical miles at a payload weight of 378 lbs.
Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel, spoke last month at the Sustainable Aeronautics Summit at the Waterloo International Airport (YKF) Operations Centre on an economic sustainability panel exploring the opportunities and challenges of future sustainability initiatives.
He also commented on the first Canadian delivery.
“We are privileged to have the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics as our first Canadian customer for the Velis Electro,” he said in a statement. “This delivery is not only an exciting milestone for Pipistrel and the global presence of the Velis Electro, but also represents a steppingstone for Canada’s strategic investments to promote a greener aerospace industry and economy.”
Pipistrel is working with Transport Canada towards certification of the Velis Electro. The company is also seeking FAA certification.
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