E-Flight Academy, Netherlands’ first and only full-electric flight school located at Teuge Airport near Apeldoorn, has achieved a remarkable milestone in sustainable aviation. Established in 2021, the academy has been committed to training pilots using fully electric aircraft. This June 2024, E-Flight Academy set a new record, completing 175 flights powered entirely by solar energy.

E-Flight Academy has the world’s largest electric fleet, with four Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft, each capable of flying for about 50 minutes. The academy’s innovative approach is boosted by over 500 solar panels and extensive battery storage, enabling the aircraft to fly on self-generated electricity.

Record-Breaking June for Solar-Powered Flights

June was a landmark month for E-Flight Academy, with 175 solar-powered flights. The academy logged 120 flight hours, consuming 2640 kWh of solar energy for flying. On top of that, the solar panels generated 6000 kWh, which was fed back to the grid. This surplus production demonstrates the feasibility and potential of solar-powered aviation.

“We are thrilled to announce that June was our most successful month yet, with 175 flights powered entirely by solar energy. This achievement demonstrates the incredible potential of sustainable aviation, and we are excited about the future possibilities,” Matthijs Collard, co-founder of E-Flight Academy

Electric flying today:

• The Pipistrel Velis Electro has been the only certified electric aircraft in the world since 2020.
• This two-seater aircraft can fly for an hour, including a 10-minute reserve.
• The charging time with a regular charger is about the same as the flight time.
• With a fast charger, charging takes about 25 minutes.
• The aircraft has an empty weight of 425 kg and a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kg.
• The two passengers can have a combined weight of up to 175 kg. If the instructor weighs 75 kg, the student pilot can weigh up to 100 kg.
• A typical flight lesson lasts about 45 minutes, which is perfect for electric flying.
• When flying to another airport, a 30-minute reserve must be maintained, reducing the flight time to 30 minutes.
• Pilots trained electrically receive a license that allows them to fly conventional aircraft and eventually become commercial pilots.

Source: E-Flight Academy
Photo Credit: E-Flight Academy