By Lookout Staff

September 24, 2024 -- The first electric aircraft approved by the FAA was delivered Tuesday to Santa Monica Airport, where it will be used for flight training.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro -- a quiet, zero emissions, low-cost aircraft -- is at the forefront of of a new wave in aviation, the plane's manufacturer and the Eco-Aviation Foundation said in a joint announcement Tuesday.

Pipistrel Velis Electro (Courtesy Pipistrel)

"With these new technologies come tremendous new career opportunities for today's youth," said Scott Burgess, the Foundation's president. "Here at Santa Monica Airport, the future begins now.”

"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," Burgess said in a statement.

Tricia Steel, vice president of global sales for Pipistrel's parent company Textron e-Aviation, said the Foundation's initiative "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," Steele said.

The Foundation chose 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, Burgess said.

In addition to the training, “Discovery Flights” in the Velis Electro will provide "hands-on, educational experiences for students and others in the community," the joint statement said.

"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 will award 25 full scholarships for Private Pilot ground school to young adults "in local underserved communities" nationwide.

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."