Insights from ERAU's Operation of the Pipistrel Velis Electro
Presentation Type
Short presentation 10-15 minutes
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Staff
Faculty/Staff Department
Flight Department
Student Year and Major
Aeronautical Science, 2021
Invited Speaker Institution/Department
Flight Department
Presentation Description/Abstract
This presentation provides an inside look at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s operational experience with the Pipistrel Velis Electro. Over the past year, I have logged more than 30 flights in the aircraft and had the opportunity to serve as both the initial pilot trained by the delivery team and as an instructor qualifying three additional pilots. This opportunity has offered firsthand insights into the practical challenges and opportunities associated with introducing an electric airplane into a flight training environment. The presentation will focus on the process of adapting established maintenance and operational procedures to support electric aircraft operations to gain operational insight into possible adoption of electric aircraft and fleet integration in the future. Operationally, the Velis Electro offers several advantages that align with ERAU’s sustainability and innovation goals. Its quiet noise levels and impressive climb performance are beneficial for noise-sensitive environments. However, these benefits are balanced by limitations, particularly their constrained endurance and the logistical challenges of operating in a high-traffic environment. These factors required strategic planning to integrate the aircraft into the University’s daily operations and to ensure opportunities to gather information while maintaining a high level of safety. Beyond technical performance, this presentation will share survey feedback from students, instructors, staff, and faculty who experienced flights in the Velis Electro. Ultimately, the goal is to inform how electric aircraft can be incorporated into existing flight programs, offering a foundation for both operational sustainability and continued innovation in flight training.
Keywords
Velis Electro, Electric Airplane, Flight Training
Insights from ERAU's Operation of the Pipistrel Velis Electro
This presentation provides an inside look at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s operational experience with the Pipistrel Velis Electro. Over the past year, I have logged more than 30 flights in the aircraft and had the opportunity to serve as both the initial pilot trained by the delivery team and as an instructor qualifying three additional pilots. This opportunity has offered firsthand insights into the practical challenges and opportunities associated with introducing an electric airplane into a flight training environment. The presentation will focus on the process of adapting established maintenance and operational procedures to support electric aircraft operations to gain operational insight into possible adoption of electric aircraft and fleet integration in the future. Operationally, the Velis Electro offers several advantages that align with ERAU’s sustainability and innovation goals. Its quiet noise levels and impressive climb performance are beneficial for noise-sensitive environments. However, these benefits are balanced by limitations, particularly their constrained endurance and the logistical challenges of operating in a high-traffic environment. These factors required strategic planning to integrate the aircraft into the University’s daily operations and to ensure opportunities to gather information while maintaining a high level of safety. Beyond technical performance, this presentation will share survey feedback from students, instructors, staff, and faculty who experienced flights in the Velis Electro. Ultimately, the goal is to inform how electric aircraft can be incorporated into existing flight programs, offering a foundation for both operational sustainability and continued innovation in flight training.