The ELECTRIC Plane with a $0 fuel cost ⚡️

Flying the “Tesla of Aviation” - an electric plane powered by batteries. This electric plane cuts fuel costs and could be the future of flight training. Would you learn to fly in an Electric ePlane? I look at performance statistics, how the aircraft works, and go for a flight around Melbourne.

This was not a sponsored video. I didn't receive any payment or goods for making this video. Fly OnE reached out to me and asked if I wanted to go for a flight. Korum was Pilot in Command for the entire flight. I wanted to make this video to help you make informed decisions on your flight training.

I asked ChatGPT about this plane, this is what it said: The Pipistrel Alpha Electro stands at the forefront of airplane innovation, revolutionizing flight training while significantly reducing costs. This cutting-edge electric plane represents a groundbreaking advancement in aviation technology. With its environmentally friendly and efficient electric propulsion system, the Pipistrel Alpha Electro offers exceptional sustainability and economic benefits. Flight schools and training centers worldwide are embracing this remarkable aircraft for its exceptional reliability, ease of use, and low operating costs. As the demand for sustainable aviation solutions grows, the Pipistrel Alpha Electro emerges as a key player, embodying the future of flight training and paving the way for a greener and more cost-effective aviation industry.

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VERY IMPORTANT: I am a private pilot and am NOT qualified to give flying instruction. This video, like all videos on this channel, has been significantly edited from the original source footage and is provided for entertainment purposes only. Many radio calls and procedures have been omitted. If you have any questions about anything you see or hear, please speak to a Certified Flying Instructor first.

[GlensHangar]

I guess in the future we won't need active noise reduction headsets?

On another note; a lot of comments about how this is useless because the range is so short... baby steps. 
You have to start somewhere and improve; just 100 years ago we were flying aircraft made of wood strips held together with animal glue, covered in fabric, powered by rudimentary 20hp engines. Without these early pioneers, improvements will never be made.

[nickroberts]

Can see battery degredation over time being a big issue especially when you've already only got 50mins best case. It'll be interesting to see how this gets regulated. This is really exciting technology though and lowering costs for training would be a great outcome.

[swissaviator]

As a pilot of the Velis (the certified version of the Alpha in Europe) who has made his 1st solo in it, I have to say that this aircraft is perfect for basic training and patterns works. For my case, I saved around 15% by doing 1/3 of my hours in it. And to be fair, yes the range is pretty bad for an aircraft, even though I can still do some sighseeing flight of about 40 minutes but it seems like in a couple of years we could go twice as far as now with battery technology improvements.

[sfadhjkl]

Keep in mind the batteries used in this plane have an energy density of only 155 Wh/kg, but there's already companies shipping batteries with 3x the density (e.g. Amprius), so we can expect much better range in the near future.

[PilotFlo]

I guess it is a viable tool for basic training for smaller airfields where you can basically start the training right above the field and don't have to fly several minutes to a training area. But considerung no one (in the broader public) had thought 30 years ago that electric cars would become a practical option, I say lets see what the future brings.

[tenou]

I'm really liking the focus on a training use case.
Easy to set up, fly out, come back, recharge, do it again. Also, electric engines have much finer digital metrics and remote management.
The range anxiety would also really push an emphasis on flight planning. Normal planes of this size have multiple hours of flight time.

[rogerbarr]

Stef, I was at Lilydale on Sunday for the Lilydale Flying Club’s monthly BBQ. Korum was there to give us aviators a presentation of the same aircraft. And what was our main question of concern? Range Anxiety! He did well and answered all our questions. That man knows his stuff! It’s primary role as a trainer is where it is well suited. Not so good for longer distances though. Perhaps in times when batteries improve, it will improve its range.

[stephanemandelert]

Since my pleasure is flying for the sake of flying, the quiet that an electric motor brings is a game changer who totally compensate the anxiety range.

[marcel-koks]

I flew the same type last year in NZ (ZK-EAL), and i was really impressed by the performance and smoothness. It also reminded me of flying JetA1 Robins with FADEC in Europe, with the ease of engine control. I truly believe this is a way forward, and i won't hesitate flying more electric, if i would get a change.

[JoeyBlogs]

It lays the groundwork for practical use. i.e. pilot training. When the new battery technology hits the market offering double the Wh/Kg, it could lay the groundwork for short range commuter aviation. Also hybrid technology could make it even more viable.

[marsman]

Great stuff Stefan … as progress is made to improve energy density in batteries we’ll see more of these in the future

[glennwatson]

Also worth noting lilydale in eastern Melbourne are flying pipistrel electrical planes now for RA training.

[effinator]

Interesting, I haven't looked into this until now. Thank you for sharing!

[CaptainSultan]

I passed my type rating earlier this year on the Velis Electro. It is a great aircraft to fly in. The availability of power (how quickly it reacts when you apply power) is great. I also love the propeller stopping when you go to idle.
The flight school explained that the aircraft is a huge success with eco-conscious aspiring pilots. They said that their customers are not the typical flight students but often older people that always wanted to fly but had an issue with the pollution.
The anxiety range is indeed an issue, I remember having a battery issue while working in the pattern. We made a short circuit and landed quickly and safely.

[daveh]

Thanks for the video. I like your range calculation based on 40-minutes flying time, then the cut to the display showing 42 minutes at 70% power. Solar panels couldn't sustain flight but if you're caught short or want to protract the range a little, surely it's worth reconsidering.

[christophermorin]

Almost there. Probably good for pattern practice. But my lessons were 1.2-1.5 on average. Once the battery can be twice as good, I think it'll "take off".

[wayneschenk]

Been following his Journey introducing this aircraft to Australia looks to be getting traction.

[marvinsmith]

Great update on the Pipestrel Stef, seen a few on it since its been around the UK

[SimonAmazingClarke]

Excellent video. There is an electric aircraft in America that can fly two hours as an ultralight, or four hours as a PPL A aircraft. Training in the Electro provides cheaper training up to cross countries then a gas one would be required for the longer trips, but this would save thousands of dollars. As batteries get more capacity, and lighter, the future is very interesting.

[chiefpenguin]

I can see the attractions of electric a/c but for now at least surely it's best to train in ICE aircraft where you learn about engine management, magnetos, icing, carb heat, rapid cooling, etc. These are all things you're going to encounter in the current GA world. So once you've got a PPL then yes I can see that's going to be fun, reducing work load, quiet, modern, sexy etc. but to train, no, not yet. Great vdeo though. I defo want one!