The Future of Flight: Embracing Electric Aviation
Sitting at the end of the runway, with just seconds before getting clearance for take-off, the spinning propeller of the plane I am in unexpectedly judders to a quick, and ominous, halt. The moment is jarring, and I can feel the tension in the air. Next to me, pilot and instructor Adam Twidell senses my nerves.
“It’s just another thing that is so great about electric planes,” he grins, his confidence infectious. “Unlike a conventional plane which would sit idling and burning fossil fuels, an electric plane just stops and we conserve energy.” With that, the propeller starts to whirr once again, and we charge down the runway, ascending into the clear blue skies over Surrey.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro: A New Era in Aviation
We are aboard the Pipistrel Velis Electro, an all-electric aircraft designed specifically for pilot training and short hops. This two-seater marvel represents a significant leap forward in aviation technology. Its only emissions are generated during its construction, maintenance, eventual end-of-life disposal, and from the electricity used for charging. This makes it a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future in aviation.
Inside the cabin, the experience is remarkably smooth. The absence of a combustion engine means it’s quieter, with fewer vibrations, creating a serene flying environment. Fairoaks Airport in Surrey is now at the forefront of this revolution, offering regular flight training that is entirely fossil fuel-free.
A New Generation of Pilots
Among the students taking advantage of this innovative training is Cameron Taylor, who is embarking on his journey as a pilot in a world increasingly focused on sustainability. “It’s much simpler to control than regular aircraft,” he explains, his enthusiasm palpable. “Regular aircraft have a lot more moving parts, and there’s a lot more that you have to think about. But with this aircraft, there are only four switches that control the main instruments.”
Cameron’s experience highlights a significant advantage of electric aviation: simplicity. This ease of use not only makes training more accessible but also encourages a new generation of pilots who are environmentally conscious.
The Role of 4AIR in Sustainable Aviation
Aviation sustainability solutions provider 4AIR plays a crucial role in this transition. They advise the aviation industry on how to become greener and are behind the flying school in partnership with Synergy Flight Training. Kennedy Ricci from 4AIR believes that as younger pilots learn to fly electric aircraft, their demand for more electric and larger aircraft will only grow. “Their want for more aircraft that are electric is only going to increase,” he asserts.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro takes just 45 minutes to charge, and powering a full battery costs only a few pounds. This affordability is particularly appealing to student pilots who are often footing the bill for their lessons. Moreover, 4AIR offsets the energy used, further enhancing the sustainability of the training program.
The Future of Commuter Aviation
The potential for electric planes extends beyond pilot training. Experts speculate that they may one day serve as commuter aircraft for short journeys. Currently, more than a dozen UK airports have charging points, paving the way for a network of electric aviation. However, while the idea of battery-powered airliners crossing the Atlantic is intriguing, it remains a distant thought for now.
In the meantime, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are being developed, though they are currently expensive and produced in limited quantities. Airlines are also investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and operational improvements, such as optimizing flight paths and reducing weight. Research into long-term solutions, including hydrogen-powered aircraft, is also underway.
The Experience of Electric Flight
Back in the air, I keep half an eye on the battery power monitor. Adam assures me he doesn’t suffer from “range anxiety.” We have an hour’s worth of flying in the battery, but he always lands at least 15 minutes before time is up, ensuring a safe return.
He lets me take control for a couple of minutes, and my clammy hands gently move the steering column. As we swoop over Surrey, I catch glimpses of Thorpe Park out of one window and Heathrow with its gas-guzzling jets out of the other. The contrast is striking, and it serves as a reminder of the changing landscape of aviation.
A Commitment to an Eco-Friendly Future
Back safely on the ground, I catch up with Cameron again. “It’s really refreshing knowing I am contributing to an eco-friendly future,” he says, his pride evident. “I am helping prove this is something we can do. A lot of people don’t realize just how far the technology has come.”
As electric aviation continues to evolve, it promises not only to transform the way we fly but also to redefine our relationship with the environment. The journey towards a sustainable future in aviation is just beginning, and with passionate individuals like Cameron and innovative technologies like the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the sky truly is the limit.