Pipistrel Certification Canada Breakthrough: A New Era for Sustainable Aviation Tourism

Transport Canada has made a landmark move: it has validated the type certificate for three Pipistrel light aircraft — the Velis Electro, the Explorer, and the Velis Club. This development brings a fresh, sustainable option to pilot training in Canada, which is not only good news for aspiring pilots, but also for global travellers interested in eco-friendly aviation experiences.

Why This Matters for Travellers

If you’re a tourist or travel-enthusiast who dreams of flying, this certification signals that more flight schools may begin using ultra-quiet, low-emissions aircraft. That means sightseeing flights in green aviation machines could become more common.

What Was Certified

• The Pipistrel Velis Electro is a fully electric two-seater trainer.
• The Pipistrel Explorer (also known as Virus SW 121A) is a combustion-engine aircraft, well-suited for remote operations, with strong performance even in varying temperatures.
• The Velis Club is another light aircraft in Pipistrel’s line designed for flight training.

The Certification Journey

Transport Canada’s certificate validation comes after years of rigorous testing in Canadian conditions. Since 2022, the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and its partner, the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), carried out more than 400 test flights.These trials studied battery behavior, cold-weather performance, and energy planning — all vital for electric flight.

The regulatory framework was also updated in July 2025 to allow electric aircraft for pilot training under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARS). Transport Canada’s revisions clarified requirements such as minimum battery levels and tailored training programs for electric-powered flight.

Real-World Use: Flight Schools & Students

In British Columbia, Sealand Flight (on Vancouver Island) has already begun training students in the Velis Electro. In January 2025, an 18-year-old student became the first to complete a solo flight in that aircraft. The school plans to offer a full Private Pilot License using the electric aircraft.

Why Travellers Should Care

For travellers who also love aviation, this certification opens up new possibilities:

• Eco-tourism at small airports: As more flight schools adopt electric aircraft, tourists could book scenic flights that are quieter and more sustainable.
• Flight training as part of travel: If you’re visiting Canada and want to train for a pilot license, you might now choose a flight school that uses zero-emission planes.
• Innovation hubs to visit: Places like the University of Waterloo (which houses WISA) are becoming centres of sustainable aviation innovation — potentially interesting stops for technology- and aviation-focused travellers.

Broader Impact on Sustainable Aviation

This move by Transport Canada is more than a certification. It’s a signal that mainstream aviation training is shifting toward cleaner energy. Pipistrel’s Velis Electro has already earned certification in Europe (EASA) and the UK — now Canada joins that list.

As flight schools modernize with these electric aircraft, over time we may see more airports offering green flight experiences. That’s especially appealing to eco-conscious travellers who want to reduce their carbon footprint even while flying.

Regulatory Guidelines and Aircraft Registration

To operate in Canada, aircraft must be properly registered under Transport Canada’s rules. Transport Canada’s advisory circular AC 202-002 outlines how to register an aircraft, including foreign-built ones. For electric aircraft, flight schools must follow updated training-program standards under the new CARS regulations.

What This Means for Global Pilots

If you’re an international pilot or student:

• You could consider Canada for pilot training in electric aircraft, thanks to this certification.
• The growing fleet of Pipistrel aircraft offers a low-noise, lower-cost way to train.
• For those interested in sustainable aviation, Canada may become a global hub for eco-friendly flight training.

Conclusion

Transport Canada’s validation of Pipistrel’s Velis Electro, Explorer, and Velis Club marks a major milestone for sustainable aviation training. For travellers, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts, it opens up exciting new possibilities: quieter sightseeing flights, greener flight schools, and a front-row seat to the future of electric flying.

As more training schools adopt these aircraft, sustainable aviation could become a real part of travel experiences — not just for pilots, but for everyone curious about cleaner skies.

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