French Flight School Adds Another Pipistrel Explorer to Fleet in September 2026

France – Fly Provence has added another Pipistrel Virus SW121A Explorer to its fleet at Aix-les-Milles Aerodrome, with the aircraft delivered with support from French Pipistrel distributor Finesse Max. The additional conventional-powered trainer operates alongside Fly Provence's Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft.

• The Explorer is powered by a 100 hp Rotax 912 S3 engine and has a maximum cruise speed of 133 KTAS, maximum range of 646 nm and service ceiling of 18,000 ft. The two-seat aircraft is equipped with dual Garmin G3X displays, autopilot, a constant-speed propeller and an airframe parachute and is approved for Day/Night VFR operations and intentional spins.
• Pipistrel positions the Explorer for PPL and CPL training in Europe, including navigation, advanced VFR and UPRT applications. The Velis Electro, by comparison, is approved for Day VFR pilot training and has a maximum endurance of up to 56 minutes plus VFR reserve, supporting shorter initial-training missions.
• Fly Provence's wider aircraft offering currently includes Pipistrel, Diamond DA42 and Piper PA28 types. Synthetic training infrastructure includes an EASA-certified FNPT II configurable for single- and multi-engine training and an Airbus A320-configured device used for MCC, JOC and APS training.
• Fly Provence holds French ATO approval FR.ATO.0306. The DGAC currently lists approvals covering PPL(A), modular CPL(A), ATPL theoretical training, IR, MEP, MCC including APS, Advanced UPRT, night flying and several instructor and examiner courses. 

Source: Fly Provence