Milestone 4AIR initiative enables pilots of the future to be trained on fully-electric aircraft
New era of electric aviation sees sustainability solutions provider 4AIR establish decarbonized pilot training platform with partner Synergy Flight Training
Fully-electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, to be used for training and demonstration flights
The Electro, based in Surrey, is the world’s first certified fully-electric aircraft and produces zero emissions during its flight
SURREY, UK – September 25th, 2024 – Pilots of the future are now being trained on fully-electric aircraft in a landmark initiative from 4AIR, the aviation industry pioneer of sustainability solutions.
It has linked up with Synergy Flight Training to offer unique electric aircraft training to student pilots using Fairoaks Airport in Surrey, in the United Kingdom.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is an all electric-powered aircraft designed for pilot training and day Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations. It has a fully certified electric engine that produces 57.6 kW of power from a 345 VDC electric system, has noise levels of only 60 dBa, a maximum altitude of 12,000 ft, and a useful load of 376 lb.
The aircraft is the first zero emissions aircraft certified for normal operations by having zero emissions during flight. The aircraft's only emissions are generated during its construction, repair and maintenance, its eventual end-of-life disposal and from the electricity used for charging.
"4AIR is aiming to promote the advancement of fully electric flight and demonstrate the opportunities where electric flight can first have an impact," said Kennedy Ricci, President of 4AIR. “Through this partnership with Synergy Flight Training, student pilots of the future will experience new forms of decarbonised flying which will become more commonplace over the next decade.”
"We are delighted to be able to provide student pilots, qualified pilots as well as anyone with an interest in sustainability and technology unparalleled access to state-of-the-art electric aircraft whilst contributing to a more sustainable future." added Glen Heavens, Owner of Synergy Aviation Group.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, 4AIR will also calculate and offset the emissions resulting from charging the aircraft. Furthermore, efforts will be made to reduce these emissions by utilising renewable power whenever possible.
Provided to the training centre by 4AIR, the aircraft will be based at Fairoaks Airport at Woking in Surrey and managed and operated by Synergy Aviation, leased from NEBO Air.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro holds the distinction of being the first fully electric aircraft certified for normal operations under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The aircraft has also earned its certification for light sport operations in the United States, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granting a light-sport aircraft (LSA) airworthiness exemption. This certification, granted in March 2024, will allow US flight schools to incorporate the Velis Electro into their training programmes.
About 4AIR:
4AIR is an aviation industry pioneer offering sustainability solutions beyond just simple carbon neutrality. Its industry-first framework aims to tackle climate impacts of all varieties, providing a streamlined and verifiable pathway for aviation industry participants to effectively counteract and reduce aircraft emissions. The 4AIR framework comprises four levels, each equipped with specific, science-based objectives, independently verified results, and increasingly significant impacts on sustainability. This approach facilitates easy adoption for private aviation users seeking sustainability, providing access to carbon markets, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), support for new technologies, and other strategies. For further details, visit www.4air.aero.
About Synergy Flight Training
Synergy Flight Training is part of the Synergy Aviation Group – 2024 marks 20 years since the group was founded. The group operates in various sectors within aviation and supports new technology in sustainability.
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