The Yin and Yang of transitioning to Electric Aircraft
Change in aviation poses both a yin and a yang. Two recent articles have illuminated (1) some of the gains (electric aircraft for training uses and Green energy) and (2) also pointed tohow this new technology may require a new teaching syllabus.
The first report celebrates the ECO-AVIATION FOUNDATION’S purchase of and stationing of PIPISTREL VELIS ELECTROS at SANTA MONICA AIRPORT[1]. This quiet, zero emissions, lower operating costs and more inclusive equipment will be the vehicle for training 25 local youths to an FAA private pilot level. Thestudents will receive full scholarships and will be instructed by the well-regarded PROTEUS FLIGHT SERVICES. This action is so deserving in so many ways.
BAA’s Head of Training, Kenneth Mark Sorensen, explains some of the differences which this new source of power will require changes to the training of pilots. This is the YIN (dark) side of the Oriental symbology.
Although not explicit, Sorenson’s analysis does not seem to differentiate between ab initio classes (the Eco-Aviation Foundation’s model) and transition instruction. As to both, he points to new facilities, especially new/revamped simulators, detailed education about electricity as the sole power sources (e.g. what if anything a pilot can do if the engine stalls/fails), extensive lessons on managing the battery(ies), etc.
The educator recognizesthat lessons will be gained from experience—maybe he should observe the SMO initiative.
Transition training within fixed wing aircraft ratings, particularly when moving to a higher performance from a less demanding system requires training and study. The reverse (high to low) is not as easy as expected. These examples suggest that both qualifications involve thoughtful pedagogical revisions.
The managing of a fuel-based powerplant to a battery as the source of energy may be more demanding. For example, while helicopter pilots seeking rating to operate a plane have found that their historical habits do not interfere with their new cockpit assignments; according to experts, the fixed wing crew members have to “unlearn” much of what they have relied upon. In designing courses for existing pilots to move to the new technology, perhaps the person designing the course may want to be sensitive to the difficulty of this transition.
Curiously Part 107 certificated pilots, based on their battery flight experiences, may find this an easier upgrade.
The Yin and Yang of electric aircraft may not be as challenging if these transition lessons are kept in mind.
Eco-Aviation Foundation International and Pipistrel land first FAA-certified electric aircraft at Santa Monica Airport
Quiet, Zero Emissions, Low Cost and Inclusive, the Pipistrel Velis Electro will Train the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals
The Velis Electro is at the front of a new wave in aviation and will be a functional tool to empower the next generation of aviation professionals.”
— Scott Burgess, President of Eco-Aviation Foundation International
SANTA MONICA, CA, UNITED STATES, September 24, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Eco-Aviation Foundation today announced it has taken delivery of the Pipistrel Velis Electro[2], the FIRST ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT APPROVED BY THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION. The announcement was made by the Foundation and the plane’s manufacturer Pipistrel at a press conference at Santa Monica Airport, where the Velis Electro is now being used primarily for flight training. Scott Burgess, President of Eco-Aviation Foundation International, and Tricia Steel, Vice President of Global Sales for Textron e-Aviation (parent company of Pipistrel) made the announcement. Christine Debouzy, President of the Association of French Women Pilots made remarks about the global role of the Velis Electro in training pilots.
Scott Burgess noted that “The Velis Electro marks a new era in aviation, one that is quiet, zero emissions, lower operating costs and more inclusive.” Burgess further commented, “And with these new technologies come tremendous new career opportunities for today’s youth. Here at Santa Monica Airport, the future begins now.” The Foundation is expecting the arrival of a second Velis Electro in November. The Foundation also announced the formation of ITS ECO FLIGHT GROUND SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, in partnership with local youth organizations. The Foundation will AWARD 25 FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PRIVATE PILOT GROUND SCHOOL to young adults in local underserved communities. The course includes the complete FAA-approved Private Pilot flight training curriculum, as well as training on the new electric aircraft technologies and numerous discussions on career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.
“The Velis Electro is at the front of a new wave in aviation and will be a functional tool to empower the next generation of aviation professionals. We are proud to launch this effort in Santa Monica, and we anticipate that flight schools everywhere will embrace this opportunity to engage in similar efforts. The Foundation plans to help facilitate many of these initiatives,” said Scott Burgess.
Tricia Steel added, “We are proud to see the Pipistrel Velis Electro being used to train students worldwide, preparing them for the future of aviation. This Eco-Aviation Foundation International’s initiative not only equips future aviators with experience on next-gen power systems, but also plays a crucial role in creating cleaner and quieter airport communities. This underscores another step forward in the continued adoption of sustainable
solutions worldwide.”
Christine Debouzy, a French aviation icon, captained the Airbus A380, the Boeing 747 among many others for Air France. She has been flying professionally since 1982. She discussed how the environmental goals of the French Government have been integrated into a Federal strategic plan for sustainable development and has mandated the purchase of multiple Velis Electros for pilot training in the country. In addition to the Eco Flight Ground School and flight training, “Discovery Flights” in the Velis Electro will provide hands-on, educational experiences for students and others in the community. These flights are designed to inspire and educate community members about the possibilities within the aviation sector, particularly those who may not have previously considered it as a viable career path.
The Foundation has chosen Proteus Flight Services at Santa Monica Airport to be the first to offer the Velis Electro for flight training and also the Eco Flight Ground School classes.
Are pilots prepared for electric aircraft?
With the pressure of adopting greener solutions to aviation ever-present, a handful of companies and flight schools are exploring electric-powered aircraft as an alternative. Some state that the fully-electric future is near: electric-powered aircraft like Slovenian Pipistrel Velis Electro has already been implemented as part of initial pilot training in Portugal, and regulatory bodies like EASA are paving the way for widespread adoption. But as we look to a cleaner, quieter future in commercial flight, one question looms large – how will pilot training evolve to meet the demands of this new era?
Substantial changes will be needed
The widespread introduction of electric aircraft in commercial aviation could potentially lead to lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact, which is crucial given the industry’s push for sustainability. However, it will also require SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES IN INFRASTRUCTURE, REGULATIONS, and PILOT TRAINING, explains Kenneth Mark Sorensen[3], Head of Training at BAA[4] Training, a leader in aviation training solutions.
“Pilot training will need to adjust to the unique features that come with electric aircraft, like different flight controls, managing battery systems, and handling new types of emergencies. While the basic principles of flying won’t change, new training modules will definitely be needed to cover these aspects. We’ll likely see a mix of updates to the current curriculum along with some specialized programs. This will make sure that pilots are well-prepared to manage the specific challenges that come with flying electric aircraft.”
Sorensen sees the changes to be gradual – starting with niche markets, making it a niche training at the very beginning. This would allow for phased integration into training programs, and as electric-powered aircraft become more widespread, there will be a faster development of training practices. What will influence the timeline are factors like regulatory approvals and the pace of the aircraft adoption itself, Sorensen notes.
Changes in training – 10-20 years away
As BAA Training’s Head of Training sees it, the pilot training academies will need to invest – in new simulation tools and possibly modify existing simulators to accommodate electric aircraft systems. Additionally, training facilities may need to update their technical infrastructure to support these new systems. This also presents hurdles for pilot training.
“One of the biggest challenges – ensuring that pilots are proficient in the electric aircraft operational procedures, including MANAGING ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND DEALING WITH NEW TYPES OF FAILURES OR EMERGENCIES,” says Sorensen. “Comprehensive training programs and simulations will have to be an essential part of training. However, there are STILL PLENTY OF ‘IFS’ AND ‘WHEN’S’ HERE, and quite a lot of predictions based on the very early stages of potential electric-powered commercial flights.
“The truth is, widespread adoption of electric-powered jetliners might take another 10 to 20 years, as a lot of things need to be addressed – technical, regulatory, and infrastructure ones – until we reach the changes in pilot training curriculums or even new pilot license types. This is a very prominent characteristic of aviation – after all, it’s one of the most tightly regulated industries in the world.”
Still a long way to go
As electric aircraft are slowly carving out a niche for themselves, the pilot training segment is still cautious about implementing any major changes. The path toward new pilot training programs is likely to be very gradual and quite some time away. Without much real-life evidence and success cases in operating commercial flights powered by electricity, there are still many very important unanswered questions that have to be solved first.
Having become a journalist after university, Edward Hardy has been a reporter and editor at some of the world’s leading publications and news sites. In 2022, he became Air Cargo Week’s Editor. Got news to share? Contact me on Edward.Hardy@AirCargoWeek.com
[1] Curiously the UBER NOISE SENSITIVE community, which is closing the 100 year old SMO, has not reacted to this aviation activity announcement. Searches of the Santa Monica Daily Press, the Santa Monica Observer and the Santa Monica Mirror MADE NO MENTION about these training lights. Only the Santa Monica Lookout reported the press conference and it did not complain.
[2] The Pipistrel Velis Electro is a Slovenian light aircraft, designed and produced by Pipistrel of Ajdovščina. The aircraft was EASA CS-LSA fully electric type certified in June 2020 and it is intended primarily for the training aircraft role, particularly multiple successive take-off and landings at the airfield
[3] His airline career started in 2007. Since then, he has flown as a Co-Pilot, Captain, Line Training Captain, and Line Check Captain for several airlines. He has accumulated around 6,000 hours of flying experience and a total of around 2,500 hours of simulator training or checking on all variants of the Boeing 737 from Classic, NG to the MAX. In addition, he has also worked in various training organizations, playing key roles there. Duties at BAA Training:
- Being responsible for compliance with Part-FCL/ORA regulations and responsibility.
- Ensuring the relevance of training programs.
- Implementing new training requirements to ensure the highest training quality.
- Ensuring timely communication with related CAA.
- Being a leader of the ATO team, including flight school and TRTO.
[4] In 2007 its first aviation training center, Baltic Aviation Academy, in Vilnius, Lithuania, was established. Now BAA has locations in Lithuania, Spain, France, UAE, India and Vietnam.
