The runway for futuristic airplanes is still a long one.
– MIT Technology Review
The concept of electric airplanes in Canada, particularly demonstrated by the Pipistrel Velis Electro at EAA AirVenture 2024, highlights a transformative shift in aviation. This shift not only emphasizes the transition from fossil fuels to green energy but also underscores the broader implications of such advancements in the context of climate change, technological innovation, and the economics of flight training.
Media and Climate Change
The media plays a pivotal role in bringing issues like global warming and CO2 emissions to the forefront. By highlighting the environmental impact of fossil fuels, the media helps drive public awareness and, subsequently, action. The transition to electric airplanes, as seen with the Velis Electro, is part of this broader narrative, offering a tangible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.
Skepticism and Resistance
Despite scientific consensus on climate change, skepticism persists among some individuals and institutions, including certain Canadian flight schools. This resistance can be attributed to various factors such as political beliefs, economic interests, and personal preferences. However, the phrase “never say never” reminds us of that change, though gradual, is often inevitable, driven by broader societal and technological shifts.
Entropy and Environmental Degradation
The concept of entropy, a fundamental principle in physics, suggests that systems naturally progress towards disorder. In the context of climate change, this can be seen as a metaphor for environmental degradation if proactive measures are not taken. The shift to electric propulsion in aviation is a critical step towards countering this trend and ensuring a sustainable future.
Innovation and Early Adoption
The adoption of electric airplanes by Canadian flight schools can be understood through the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, which categorizes individuals and groups based on their willingness to embrace new technologies:
- Innovators: Embrace technology for its own sake.
- Early Adopters: Advocate for green aviation technologies and practices at the economic tipping point.
- Early Majority: Follow once the business case proves viable.
- Late Majority: Require more evidence and incentives to change.
- Laggards: Change only when absolutely necessary.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro
Certified and Ready for Training
The Velis Electro is the first-ever type-certified electric-powered aircraft, approved for pilot training in Day VFR operations across Europe. Its power-train and ergonomic design ensure an enjoyable flying experience, making it ideal for student pilots.
Commitment to Clean and Quiet Flight
Operating with zero emissions and minimal noise, the Velis Electro is an eco-friendly and quiet option for flight training. Its design prioritizes ease of maintenance and performance, featuring a type-certified electric engine, dual battery system, and liquid-cooled power-train.
Canadian Adoption
The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) are the first Canadian institutions to adopt the Velis Electro, focusing on research and collaboration to evaluate battery-powered electric flight. Sealand Flight on Vancouver Island, is the second user of the electric airplane and has also received clearance from Transport Canada to fly the Velis Electro commercially, marking significant progress in the adoption of electric aviation in Canada.
Transport Canada’s Role
Transport Canada is actively supporting the electrification of flight through case-by-case waivers and is closely monitoring European certification processes to develop comprehensive policies for Canadian flight schools. Their experience with electricity-powered drones positions them well to lead the integration of electric aircraft into general aviation.
Conclusion
The introduction of electric airplanes like the Pipistrel Velis Electro signifies a major shift in Canadian aviation, promoting sustainability and innovation. Despite challenges and resistance, the inevitability of change driven by technological advancements and societal shifts is clear. The future of aviation lies in embracing green technologies, and the Velis Electro stands as a testament to this transformative journey.
About the Author:
Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX). Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V). He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now OntarioTech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario. For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section. He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and five certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 30 next generation MOOC continuous education in IoT, Cloud, AI and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.