Flying For A Sustainable Future

When we think of flying, the words ‘eco-friendly’ are probably not the first that come to mind. However, here at Airbourne Aviation we are taking our first steps towards a sustainable future for flight training.

Back at the start of the year, we introduced the Pipistrel Velis Electro to our fleet – the first ever type-certified, electric-powered aircraft fully approved for pilot training in Day VFR operations.

Our aircraft “WD” is on lease from NEBOair, whose mission is to advance the decarbonisation of pilot training and experience flights whilst supporting sustainable aviation in the UK.

With noise levels of only 60 dBa, the two-seater produces zero emissions during operation and is ultra-quiet, meaning flight training can operate much closer to urban areas without disrupting local communities.

What’s more, the reduced number of moving parts in the electric powertrain dramatically decreases maintenance costs and allows the Velis Electro powertrain elements to have more than double the lifespan in comparison to the previous generation of piston powered aircraft.

The customers we see flying the Velis are a mix of non-pilots experiencing the uniqueness of an electric aircraft and qualified pilots from a range disciplines. The latter come to us for differences training; two-yearly SEP aircraft training flights; microlight to SSEA licence conversion or just to see what the aircraft is capable of.

Popham pilot, Airbourne instructor and AGCS operator Bob Dennay is a big fan of the Electro:

“I’ve been involved with the Electro since April 2024 and quickly recognised what a delight it is to fly! Its 10.7m wingspan and low drag require precise speed control and energy management, which although challenging on the final approach, makes for a particularly satisfying use of your flying skills”.

“I thoroughly enjoy flying the Electro – it’s a privilege to be part of this new era of aviation and to be able to share it with pilots and non-pilots alike. It fits well with Popham’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and I encourage you to come and see our operation and learn more about the first generation of certificated electric aircraft.”

And it’s been a big hit with our students too – over 12 people have completed their Electric SEP differences training already this year, with Emma Taylor being our first student to do so:

“My PPL Single Engine Piston (SEP) rating lapsed in the summer of 2023 which meant that I would need to find a suitable SEP aircraft to carry out my renewal flight in once I felt ready to fly again. That day arrived in early 2024 and when Airbourne owner and friend Cliff Hawkins suggested that we could use the Pipistrel Velis Electro for my renewal, I was quite surprised as I’d always assumed the aircraft was of microlight status due to its small stance”.

Emma Taylor with the Electro after passing her Electric SEP differences training

“Without giving it much further thought (because of course it was going to be a very excited “yes!”) I carried out some general refresher flights and commenced my electric differences training in the Velis, delighted when I finally had a valid license again”.

“The Velis was an absolute delight to fly throughout and learning all about the battery management system was an exciting, new challenge for me. I found mission planning particularly interesting as I was planning a flight using state of charge, rather than fuel consumption and available endurance which was completely different to what I was used to! The aircraft itself felt heavier and more robust in flight than I thought it would be. The beautifully long wingspan gives you a sense of security and comfort in the air as her lengthy, steady glide ability would allow you that extra time to think through a requirement for a potential forced landing situation. The main physical differences were that of the ‘engine’ being an electric motor, the ‘carburettor’ being an inverter and the ‘fuel tank’ being the batteries. All of these components and their supporting functions were pretty easy to get my head around, so performance and check-list wise, I’d say the Velis is a pretty straight-forward aircraft to understand”.

And in response to being asked what the general aviation community might say about this new electric aircraft, Emma commented, “I think a lot of people are inclined to judge the Velis by its performance stats without giving it a chance to prove itself… The Velis isn’t an aircraft designed to be flown long distances, but one to have lots of fun with in the circuit and to enjoy a pleasant (quiet!) flight around the countryside taking in the amazing views thanks to the exceptional visibility of the aircraft”.

In summary, Emma said of the Electro, “A delightful aircraft which I can totally recommend if you fancy trying something innovating, exciting, and a little bit different!”

Airbourne Aviation’s Head of Training, Graham Bourns, has been instrumental in integrating the Velis Electro into our training programme and proudly highlighted that Airbourne completed the UK’s first NPPL SSEA conversion in an electric aircraft in October of this year, when Ali Kahn passed his GST.

Ali Khan (left), the UK’s first pilot to successfully complete his NPPL SSEA GST in an electric aircraft

“The Velis is now an integral part of our SEP training at Popham” Graham said. “And whilst electric flight is still very much in its infancy, if its progress is anything like what we’ve seen in the automotive world, the future of sustainable flight – and Airbourne’s part in it – is very exciting indeed”.

And of course, no new aircraft should go without an approval flight from Sheila Lawrence aka ‘Queen of Popham’, seen here with Airbourne instructor Graham Bourns

Interested in finding out more about our Velis Electro? Get in touch today for details or to book your trial session.