Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

Textron eAviation Donates Pipistrel Velis Electro to EAA Auction

Textron eAviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced it is donating a Pipistrel Velis Electro – the world’s first type certified electric powered aircraft – to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) auction at The Gathering during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The donation will support all of EAA’s charitable programs, including its efforts to engage young people in the world of aviation.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro, designed and manufactured by Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, is set to take top billing at the auction, which will feature around 20 items and is raising funds for causes including the EAA’s Young Eagles program, which has offered free airplane rides to those aged 8-17 since 1992.

Rob Scholl, president and CEO, Textron eAviation, says: “We’re proud to support EAA and the Young Eagles program, which has provided young people around the world with their first exposure to aviation for more than 30 years. We know that exciting new technologies and aircraft, like the Pipistrel Velis Electro, can attract the next generation to our industry and we are committed to playing our part. Through this collaboration, we also lend our support to the EAA’s efforts to lead the way in advocating on behalf of experimental and light sport aircraft, both in the US and globally.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world’s largest fly-in convention, with this year’s event taking place 24-30 July. It welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft and 600,000 attendees annually, showcasing the latest innovations and aircraft from around the world.

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro – which is type-certified by EASA and currently under an experimental licence in the US – will be on static display during EAA AirVenture, at booth 393, taking part in the flight display from 3pm each day, as well as at the gala itself.

Prospective auctionees will be able to bid live at the event or arrange proxy bidding with EAA Aviation Foundation beforehand for the Velis Electro, which produces zero emissions during operation and is ultra-quiet both on the inside and outside, with noise levels of only 60dBa. The winner of the auction will be announced during The Gathering on Thursday, July 27th.

About Textron eAviation

Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Textron eAviation is focused on sustainable flying, backed by Textron’s 100 years of expertise and the restless spirit for innovation that is embodied in Textron’s Pipistrel, Cessna, Beechcraft and Bell brands.

Taking the lead in Textron’s development of sustainably powered flight, Textron eAviation is leveraging the industry-leading product design, certification, manufacturing, and aftermarket solutions from across Textron’s businesses coupled with the newly acquired expertise of Pipistrel.

About Pipistrel

In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000.  Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.

Source: Textron Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron

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UK Helicopter Flight School, HeliSpeed Academy, Receives UK CAA Part 147 Approval

Blackpool, United Kingdom based helicopter flight training organisation HeliSpeed Academy proudly announces the attainment of the highly sought-after Part 147 Approval for B1 and B2 training on the AW139 and EC175 helicopter models. This significant accomplishment marks a momentous milestone for the academy, further solidifying its reputation as a provider of comprehensive and specialised training both for helicopter maintenance professionals and pilots.

The Part 147 Approval, granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is a prestigious certification that recognises training organisations for their adherence to stringent regulatory standards and exemplary commitment to excellence in aviation training. HeliSpeed Academy’s achievement of this esteemed approval showcases its dedication to delivering top-tier training programs that meet and exceed industry standards.

The recently acquired Part 147 Approval specifically covers the B1 and B2 categories of helicopter maintenance training Initially on two of the most popular and widely used helicopter models – the AW139 and EC175.

“We are immensely proud of securing the Part 147 Approval for B1 and B2 training on the AW139 and EC175 helicopters,” said Geoff Packer, CEO at HeliSpeed Academy. “This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of training and ensuring our students possess the skills and expertise to excel in their positions as helicopter maintenance professionals.”

HeliSpeed Academy’s B1 and B2 training programs on the AW139 and EC175 models encompass a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. The meticulously designed curriculum covers various key areas, including airframe systems, powerplant systems, avionics, troubleshooting techniques, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

These training course can be provided at HeliSpeed Academy’s state-of-the-art new training facility at Blackpool Airport or at the customers location.

Source: HeliSpeed Academy Press Release
Photo Credit: HeliSpeed Academy

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US Flight School Holds Young Pilot Camp to Inspire Future Aviators

Fly Legacy Aviation flight school, located at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), United States offers children and adults a chance to get closer to the world of aviation through its unique summer camps. The Young Pilot Camp, which started three years ago, now attracts children from all over the country for its week-long and weekend sessions. This year Fly Legacy added a one-day Adult +Kid program to allow parents to try this activity with their kids.

Participants’ ages range from as young as six to 15-years old. The team at Fly Legacy created fun-filled, educational curriculums that keep the camps of various age groups excited about aviation. At a camp, children study topics including the principles of flight; how airplanes fly; what planes are they made of and their parts; types of airplanes; helicopters; ground and air safety; weather and atmosphere; and basics of aerodynamics.

While the camp primarily takes place in a classroom environment, students do get to spend time outdoors. To learn about aerodynamics, participants make gliders and try flying them outside. When learning about rockets, campers light rockets to see how they propel in the air. They also build structures like bridges to learn the physics behind them.

When it comes to practice, campers have an opportunity to try a desk simulator and a full-motion FAA-approved flight simulator that is also used by professional pilots for training.

The best part of the camp for all the kids is flight day, the day every child has a chance to be a real pilot. During the introductory flight, children are accompanied by experienced pilots, fly in a pilot’s seat and control a plane under professional supervision.

The goal of the Young Pilot Camp is to attract more children to careers in aviation by allowing them to experience many aspects of the industry. “Right now, there are a lot of amazing opportunities in this field. There is a huge shortage of pilots, mechanics, and other aviation professionals,” said camp director Alex Souponetsky. “That’s why at this camp we are trying to nourish these dreams, show children their options and help them move forward. The mission of our Young Pilot Camp is to empower young minds to soar with imagination, knowledge, and passion for aviation.”

After the camp, children can sign up for flight lessons to become private pilots. Even though anyone can start flying as long as they are able to reach the pedals, flying solo is possible only after reaching the age of 16 and getting a pilot’s license at 17. The camp helps children learn more about aviation careers as well, including private, commercial and military pilots, aviation mechanics, traffic controllers and more.

Source: Philadelphia International Airport Press Release
Photo Credit: Philadelphia International Airport

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