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On June 10, 2020, the Pipistrel Velis Electro became the world’s first electric aircraft to receive type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA). Five years later, it remains the only EASA-certified electric plane, with over 100 units flying in more than 30 countries. Canada is currently evaluating the Velis Electro, which is already operating in Waterloo, Ontario, and Campbell River, British Columbia. These aircraft are used for low-carbon flight training and local sightseeing, with over 400 flights completed in Canada. Transport Canada has created a regulatory sandbox to support electric aviation, and proposed amendments to flight training regulations are under review. As Canada moves toward broader certification, early adopters like Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre and Sealand Flight are leading the way in training the next generation of electric pilots.

Catherine Check made Canadian aviation history by becoming the first person to complete her entire initial flight training, from first lesson to solo flight, exclusively in an electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, at Sealand Flight on Vancouver Island.

Discover how Navpreet pursued the International Aviation Sustainability Certification to understand the industry's role in climate change and broaden their perspective on global sustainability.

Aviation students are increasingly seeking ways to pursue their passion without the emissions associated with conventional flight training. Electric planes (e-planes) are being proposed as a solution, but how big of a reduction can they achieve?

My immersion into aviation led me to join the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP), where I became part of the first cohort of students learning about the fundamentals of aviation. Through the CAP, I not only gained a solid understanding of aviation systems but also learned the importance of collaboration within the field.

Pramoth's personal journey being the first to receive the ‘International Aviation Sustainability Certification.

Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) students who got to tour the Waterloo Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro comes with a charger designed for the European 400-volt electrical system. This means that a special transformer needs to be installed at any North American airport where the Velis is to charge. (Note: Pipistrel is developing an adapter which will allow the Velis to be charged using CCS chargers, which will remove this hurdle. CCS is one of the most widely used electric vehicle charging standards.)

Waterloo finance student Angelica Lee was nominated for a global aerospace award. She shares her journey and advice to inspire others in non-traditional career pathways.

A student in the Collaborative Aeronautics Program reflects on a recent visit to the NRC Flight Research Laboratory in Ottawa.