First Fully Electric Aircraft Earns Type Certification

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued type certification for the first-ever fully electric aircraft.  Pipistrel’s Velis Electro earned the honor using its E-811 engine, which became the first EASA-certified electric engine just one month ago.

Pipistrel Founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol said, “The type certification of the Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first step towards the commercial use of electric aircraft, which is needed to make emission-free aviation feasible.  It confirms and provides optimism, also to other electric aircraft designers, that the Type Certificate of electric engines and aeroplanes is possible.”

The two-seat Velis Electro, which was designed primarily as a trainer, has a cruise speed of 90 knots; 1,320-lb. maximum takeoff weight; a 378-lb. payload, and endurance of up to 50 minutes plus VFR reserve.  Pipistrel, which is based in Slovenia, says it plans to deliver 31 Velis Electros this year.