Sealand Flight Commences Electric Aviation in Campbell River

On May 13, 2024, Sealand Flight, a Flight Training Unit based in Campbell River, British Columbia, announced the launch of its all-electric Pipstrel Velis Electro airplane. With Campbell River quickly growing into a Canadian forefront of zero emission aviation, and having received Transport Canada's approval to fly the plane, Sealand is currently limited to electric aircraft differences training for licensed pilots. The flight school is awaiting authorization for full commercial operations, when they will then train new student pilots in the electric airplane.

 

Since before the Velis Electro’s arrival in BC, Sealand has been collaborating with key industry members and national regulators to ensure the smooth and thorough integration of zero-emissions aircraft into the flying school operation— a feat that is first of its kind in Canada.

“With the electric airplane now regularly flying, our team at Sealand Flight is conducting training for our pilot staff, and opened up this same possibility for our already licensed customers,” says Mike Andrews, COPA member and Sealand Flight spokesperson. “Program leaders at Transport Canada are actually our first rental customers for the Pipistrel this month. We are confident that this hands-on experience will continue to positively evoke progress in the commercialization of sustainable aviation.”

The next stage for the flight school will be a groundbreaking achievement for Canadian aviation. Sealand eagerly awaits written approval from the aviation regulators, Transport Canada, to begin offering Private Pilot Licence training to brand new students on the electric airplane. This public customer access to electric flying will set a national precedent, being the first commercial use of sustainable aircraft in the country. Once a timeline is determined with the regulators, Sealand Flight is planning a celebratory event that will be centered around the first “for-hire” use of an electric airplane. A local written submission contest will be held to determine the recipient of this first ever Canadian electric training flight.

More information about the all-electric aircraft and the Flight Training Unit can be found on the Sealand Flight website and their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.