The Pipistrel Velis Electro, which Sealand Flight will utilize to train pilots for electric airplanes
DELTA – Sealand Flight Ltd.’s dream to become the first in Canada to conduct flight training of electric airplanes is about to become reality.
Sealand, in partnership with elibird aero and Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) showcased the Slovenia-made Pipistrel Velis Electro – the first certified all-electric aircraft – at an open house at Boundary Bay Airport on February 22. It offered a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore the electric aircraft up close and discuss the advancements in electric aviation.
Sealand, established in 2014, is a flight training school headquartered at the Campbell River Airport and operates three sub-base flying schools in Courtenay, Powell River and Qualicum Beach. Sealand offers a diverse array of aviation experiences, and last June, the company received all necessary approvals form Transport Canada to begin flight training in the Pipistrel Velis Electro.
Sealand pilot and spokesman Mike Andrews states: “Sharing the joy and fascination of aviation is at the heart of Sealand Flight. With our fully electric Pipistrel Velis Electro, we’re thrilled to collaborate with like-minded innovators to showcase the future of sustainable aviation in Boundary Bay.”
Theo Robson, Chief of Staff of CAAM, a federal not-for-profit consortium that acts as the national catalyst for the Advanced Air Mobility industry in Canada, adds “CAAM is proud to support this landmark event showcasing the Pipistrel Velis Electro, celebrating Sealand Flight’s trailblazing efforts in Canadian electric aviation and the leadership of elibird aero and Iskwew Air in driving the future of zero-emission flight.”
Also represented was Iskwew Air, which offers daily scheduled flights from its base in Qualicum Beach Richmond (YVR South) as well as cargo service and charters, as founder Teara Fraser, who also started the elibird aero company, pointed out that “Iskwew Air along with Sealand Flight are two of only three aircraft maintenance organizations in all of Canada that are authorized to maintain an electric aircraft. We are proud to be pioneers of sustainable aviation.”
Sealand worked alongside Transport Canada to add the zero-emissions Pipistrel Velis Electro to its fleet,\
Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, had the successful first hover flight of its Nuuva V300, a long-range, large-capacity hybrid-electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) unmanned aircraft in January. The Nuuva V300 is designed to carry a 600-pound payload over a range of up to 300 nautical miles and is capable of operating from paved or unimproved surfaces.
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), and most recently received a light-sport aircraft airworthiness exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). That followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000.
Sealand Flight was established in 2014, and besides offering pilot training on land planes, seaplanes and e-planes, owns and operates BC Air, which offers flight seeing throughout Vancouver Island and airplane charters across the province.
Early in 2023, Sealand was selected by Transport Canada to participate in a Trial Program of evaluating the viability of electric airplanes in Flight Training – the second flight school in Canada to be approved for the program.
Apex Aircraft, Pipistrel’s Canadian distributor, brought their first Velis Electro to Campbell River a year ago, and has since hosted a Pipistrel factory maintenance course led by Pipistrel engineers, Transport Canada reps and other industry members from across the country.
Sealand flew Canada’s very first commercial electric flight on June 14, and due to its specific regulatory exemption from Transport Canada, it is the first commercial flight operation in the country to fly an electric airplane with passengers and students.
Their goal it to be able to offer a full Private Pilot License certification program on the Velis Electro, which will have them flying between Campbell River, Courtenay, Powell River and Qualicum Beach.
Business Examiner Staff
