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Electric Plane Studies

Operational performance and pilot training applications of electric aircraft

Electric aircraft on the tarmac used in Pipistrel Velis Electro studies

“The use of e-planes would enable Canada to expand its internationally competitive pilot-training industry without increasing emissions.”
— Dr. Mehrdad Pirnia

Research Focus

This research examines the operational performance and pilot training applications of electric aircraft, with a focus on the Pipistrel Velis Electro, one of the most widely adopted electric training aircraft internationally. In Canada, flight operations led by the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and its partners are contributing valuable operational data in varied weather conditions to assess reliability, energy performance, and suitability for training (Parker, 2025). These activities support Transport Canada’s evaluation of electric aircraft in flight training and inform the development of future regulatory standards. By combining international experience with Canadian operational testing, this research helps advance evidence-based integration of electric aircraft into pilot training and sustainable aviation practices.

Testing and Evaluation

Our results indicate that severe battery degradation can occur during periods of low utilization, while higher usage does not necessarily correspond to increased degradation.

Battery Operations

Operational Performance

Stakeholder Perceptions

  • Parker, P., Edwards, C.A. (2022). Why fly electric?: Stakeholder perceptions of e-plane knowledge, motivations and barriers. International Journal of Sustainable Aviation, 8(4), 299–311. DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2022.10050619
  • Edwards, C.A., Parker, P. (2022). Flight school perceptions of electric planes for training. International Journal of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, 16(1), 9p. https://publications.waset.org/10012393/pdf

Conference proceedings

  • Parker, P., Edwards, C. A. (2023). Electric aircraft: Motivations and barriers to fly. Advances in Electric Aviation: Proceedings of International Symposium on Electric Aircraft and Autonomous Systems 2021. Springer International Publishing. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32639-4
  • Edwards, C-A., Parker, P. (2021). Flight school perceptions of electric planes for training. International Conference on Sustainable Aviation and Green Aircraft, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, Montreal, June 14–15, pp. 8. (Certificate for Best Presentation ICSAGA 2021)

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