Like other transportation industries, the aviation industry is beginning to shift towards green energy. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to fly the Pipistrel Velis Electro for the first time. Accompanied by Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre instructor Elaine, we took off into a beautiful sunrise with 100 per cent charge to do some circuits at the Region of Waterloo International Airport. Although I’d usually be opposed to a 4 a.m. wakeup for a 6 a.m. flight, on the morning of July 22, I stepped into the airport with excitement and curiosity.
The walkaround and start-up is slightly different from your classic C172. The absence of the roaring engines is most notable. The walkaround happens faster since there are no fuel and oil tanks to check or 13 fuel sumps to drain. Instead, we inspected the liquid coolant system for any leaks or air bubbles, as well as confirmed the state of charge and state of health of the batteries.
When we were ready to taxi, the plane sat as tranquil as the morning air, free from the vibrations and noise from my usual Cessna flights. We informed Waterloo traffic that we were ready for takeoff, then set the power lever and smoothly lifted off runway 32.
As a new plane model, the cockpit on the Velis Electro is absolutely beautiful. Along with the usual gauges, it includes the EPSI570C display (Electric Propulsion System Instrument) which provides the pilot with information regarding the operational state of the electric propulsion system in the aircraft. The controls are significantly lighter than what I am used to – we didn’t have to use trim at all! Coming in to land, we deployed flaps one and two as needed and the plane smoothly glided down to touchdown.
Going into this flight, I just thought that I was going to fly a pretty cool plane, but the experience was more than that. It is incredible that the Velis Electro produces zero emissions in flight. As an environment student, often the thought of my carbon footprint consumes me, but I have to overlook the fact that I burn gallons on a regular basis for my training. When we were on downwind, a 737 took off and the juxtaposition of the past and future was evident. The development of electric planes presents an opportunity to redefine aviation and the travel industry. Although that transition will take a lot more time, this flight in the first-generation e-plane was a small step in the right direction – and I am beyond grateful to have experienced it!
Cockpit of the Pipistrel Velis Electro