- Starting in early 2023, Sealand Flight was selected by Transport Canada to participate in a Trial Program of evaluating the viability of electric airplanes in Flight Training. We are the second flight school in Canada to be approved for this program.
- Coordinated by Pipistrel’s Canadian distributor, Apex Aircraft, our first Velis Electro arrived in Campbell River on February 18, 2024.
- While working with Transport Canada to approve the aircraft for flight, we hosted a Pipistrel factory maintenance course, led by Pipistrel engineers who imparted valuable knowledge to our staff, Transport Canada representatives, and other industry members from across Canada.
- On June 14th, 2024, we flew Canada’s very-first commercial electric flight. With a specific regulatory exemption from Transport Canada, we are the first commercial flight operation in the country flying an electric airplane with passengers and students.
- We are now training new pilots in the electric airplane, while continually evaluating the aircraft’s capabilities.
- Ultimately, our short-term goal is to be able to offer a full Private Pilot License on the Velis Electro. This will have us flying between Campbell River, Courtenay, Qualicum Beach, and Powell River.
- In the long term, we strive to inspire change in the regulatory framework of aviation to permit the use of sustainable aircraft in other commercial operations. Additionally, we aim to promote the development of electric aircraft infrastructure at airports, welcoming the future of aviation with open arms.
Our Pipistrel Velis Electro
Working alongside Transport Canada, Sealand Flight has implemented one of Canada’s first fully electric airplanes into our flight school. We are striving to reduce aviation emissions, train the next generation of pilots with new age technology, and prepare the regulatory framework for sustainable aviation to thrive in Canada. Our fleet’s new aircraft is a Pipistrel Velis Electro. Learn more about the zero emissions aircraft here:
Why Fly Electric?
The name Sealand has a long history associated with innovation. Now, while CO2 emissions continue to rise, our flight school is committed to leading the advancement of zero emissions aviation, and establishing the framework that will permit use of future sustainable aircraft. We are showcasing that these next generation aircraft already exist and are capable of meeting the mission of some flight operations. The missing links are addressing the regulations that prevent their widespread commercial use, and the network of charging infrastructure required. Other industry leaders of sustainable aviation include Harbour Air, HeliJet, Air Canada, elibird Aero, The Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium, and the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics. Collectively, we are working towards reducing aviation’s global carbon footprint.
