Transport Canada has certified an electric aircraft for the first time with its validation of the EASA certification of the Pipistrel Velis Electro. The agency also accepted the certifications of the Pipistrel Explorer and Velis Club, both powered by Rotax engines. The Textron subsidiary announced the certifications last week and said the full certification of the electric plane opens the door for flight schools to offer training in the platform. “This validation not only strengthens our position in the Canadian market, but also significantly enhances flight training capabilities across the country,” said Gabriel Massey, president of Pipistrel. The aircraft has been certified in Europe and the U.K. since 2022 and is permitted for flight training use through a Light Sport Aircraft exemption in the U.S.
The University of Waterloo in southern Ontario bought an Electro in 2022 and its Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics has been putting it through its paces. Sealand Flight in British Columbia operates an Electro for a very limited training program teaching licensed pilots the difference between electric and conventional aircraft. The certification will allow it to be used in its regular flight training operation where it’s expected to be a quieter, lower cost platform for parts of the curriculum.
