Training & Certification
Canada Certifies Pipistrel Electric and Efficient Aircraft Models
Transport Canada approves Pipistrel Velis Electro, Explorer, and Velis Club, advancing sustainable aviation and flight training in Canada.
Canada Opens Its Skies to a New Era of Aviation with Pipistrel Certification
The Canadian aviation landscape is set for a significant transformation. On November 12, 2025, Transport Canada officially issued type certificate validations for three aircraft models from Pipistrel, a subsidiary of Textron Inc.. The aircraft, the all-electric Velis Electro, the versatile Explorer, and the Velis Club, can now be owned and operated across the country. This development is more than just a regulatory approval; it signals a pivotal moment for flight training and sustainable aviation in Canada, opening the door for a new generation of quieter, cleaner, and more cost-effective aircraft.
This move aligns with a broader global shift towards greener technologies in the aviation sector. As the industry grapples with its environmental impact, the introduction of zero-emission aircraft like the Velis Electro into training fleets is a critical step forward. For Canada, a country with vast landscapes and a significant number of remote communities, the operational efficiencies and reduced environmental footprint of these aircraft present a compelling proposition. The validation strengthens Pipistrel’s presence in a key international market and provides Canadian flight schools with the tools to modernize their training programs, preparing pilots for the future of flight.
The Aircraft Leading the Charge
The validation from Transport Canada puts a spotlight on three distinct yet equally innovative Commercial-Aircraft. Each model brings unique capabilities to the table, catering to different segments of the general aviation and flight training markets. From a silent, zero-emission trainer to a rugged, high-performance explorer, these aircraft represent the cutting edge of light aircraft design and technology. Their introduction into the Canadian market is expected to have a ripple effect, influencing everything from pilot training curricula to operational costs for flight schools.
The Velis Electro: A Silent Revolution in Flight Training
The Pipistrel Velis Electro stands out as the world’s first and, to date, only type-certified electric aircraft.. Its validation in Canada is a landmark achievement for Electric-Aviation. The aircraft is a game-changer for flight training, primarily due to its zero-emission propulsion and remarkably low noise profile. Producing only 60 decibels of noise, it is significantly quieter than its conventionally powered counterparts, making it an ideal solution for training operations near populated areas.. This characteristic helps mitigate noise complaints, a common issue for flight schools.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Velis Electro is designed with the student pilot in mind. It features user-friendly Avionics and a simplified powertrain, which can reduce the complexity of initial flight training. The operational costs are also lower, thanks to the reduced price of electricity compared to avgas and lower maintenance requirements for the electric engine. The engine itself was the first of its kind to receive type certification validation in Canada in 2024, paving the way for the full aircraft’s approval.. The University of Waterloo’s Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) have already been utilizing a Velis Electro since 2022 for research, showcasing the aircraft’s potential in an academic and practical setting..
The journey to Canadian validation has been a global one. The Velis Electro first received EASA type Certification in 2020, followed by UK CAA certification in 2022 and an FAA LSA airworthiness exemption in 2024.. This series of international approvals underscores the aircraft’s robust design and the growing acceptance of electric propulsion in the aviation community.
“Transport Canada’s validation of these aircraft type certificates serve as an acknowledgement of our teams engineering expertise and highlights the growing international recognition of our products in key global markets.”
– Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel..
The Explorer: Built for Adventure and Advanced Training
While the Velis Electro captures headlines for its electric powertrain, the Pipistrel Explorer (also known as the Virus SW 121A) offers a different kind of innovation. This aircraft is engineered for superior performance on minimal power, making it exceptionally well-suited for operations in Canada’s diverse and often challenging environments. Its ability to perform in varied temperatures and at high altitudes makes it a reliable platform for flights into remote areas. The Explorer is a versatile machine, approved for both day and night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations and even intentional spins, a crucial maneuver in advanced pilot training..
The Explorer is equipped with an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)-ready avionics package, allowing it to be used for more advanced training modules. This capability provides a seamless transition for students moving from basic VFR training to more complex instrument flying. The aircraft’s efficiency and performance characteristics make it an attractive option for flight schools looking to offer a comprehensive training program with a modern and capable aircraft. Its EASA type certification was achieved in 2021, building on the original model’s certification from 2016..
The inclusion of the Explorer alongside the Velis Electro in the Canadian validation means that flight schools can now build a more holistic and modern training fleet from a single Manufacturers. They can offer initial training on a quiet, eco-friendly electric platform and then transition students to a high-performance, IFR-capable aircraft for more advanced ratings. This synergy enhances the training experience and provides a clear progression for aspiring pilots.
Implications for the Canadian Aviation Industry
The certification of these Pipistrel aircraft is more than just an expansion of available models; it’s a catalyst for change within the Canadian aviation sector. It directly addresses several key industry trends, including the push for sustainability, the need to modernize training fleets, and the ongoing effort to make aviation more accessible and cost-effective. This move by Transport Canada reflects a forward-thinking Regulations approach, embracing new technologies that promise to shape the future of flight.
For flight schools, the immediate impact will be the ability to offer training on state-of-the-art equipment. This can be a significant competitive advantage, attracting both students and instructors who are eager to work with the latest technology. The lower operating costs of the Velis Electro, in particular, could translate into more affordable flight training, potentially expanding the pool of prospective pilots. Furthermore, the introduction of electric aircraft into the curriculum provides a unique opportunity to train pilots on the technologies they will likely encounter throughout their careers.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Canadian Aviation
The validation of the Pipistrel Velis Electro, Explorer, and Velis Club by Transport Canada marks the beginning of a new chapter for aviation in the country. It is a clear endorsement of sustainable technologies and a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s flight training infrastructure. By allowing these innovative aircraft to operate in Canadian skies, regulators have unlocked new possibilities for flight schools, pilots, and the broader aviation community. This decision paves the way for a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient approach to flying.
Looking ahead, this development is likely to accelerate the adoption of electric and high-efficiency aircraft across Canada and potentially influence other regulatory bodies worldwide. As more pilots gain experience with these technologies, the industry will move closer to a future where sustainable aviation is the norm, not the exception. The collaboration between manufacturers like Pipistrel, regulators like Transport Canada, and forward-thinking institutions is crucial for driving this transformation and ensuring that the next generation of aviation is safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
FAQ
Question: What aircraft were certified by Transport Canada?
Answer: Transport Canada issued type certificate validation for the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the Pipistrel Explorer, and the Velis Club..
Question: What is significant about the Pipistrel Velis Electro?
Answer: The Velis Electro is the world’s first and currently only fully electric type-certified aircraft. It is known for its zero emissions and very low noise profile of only 60 decibels, making it ideal for flight training..
Question: How will this certification impact flight training in Canada?
Answer: It will allow Canadian flight schools to incorporate these modern, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly aircraft into their training programs. This provides advanced training opportunities and prepares pilots for future aviation technologies..
Sources
Photo Credit:
Training & Certification
Merlin Inc Earns New Zealand Part 146 Design Organization Certificate
Merlin, Inc. receives a Part 146 certificate from CAANZ, gaining internal design approval authority for its autonomous flight systems.
Merlin, Inc. has secured a Part 146 Aircraft Design Organization certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ), granting the company internal delegation authority to approve specific aircraft design changes.
Announced in a press release on August 24, 2026, the certification allows the Boston-based aerospace technology company to bypass external design organizations for certain regulatory approvals. This milestone is designed to reduce external cost and schedule risks as Merlin advances the commercialization of its autonomous flight systems across multiple aircraft platforms.
Streamlining the certification pathway
The Part 146 certificate is not restricted to a single aircraft type or program. It establishes a foundational regulatory framework that Merlin can apply across various certification projects. By bringing design approval capabilities in-house, the company aims to accelerate the deployment of its Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system.
Merlin Chief Executive Officer Matt George emphasized the economic and operational importance of the certification for the company’s long-term production strategy.
“We’re building one autonomy stack that goes on many aircraft, which means the cost of certifying the next one matters more than the cost of certifying the first,” George stated. “Owning the capability to deliver design approval is how that curve bends. It’s a meaningful capability, not a side benefit.”
Regulatory progress and defense applications
The Part 146 designation follows a series of recent regulatory advancements for Merlin in New Zealand. On August 6, 2026, the company announced it had achieved Stage of Involvement (SOI) 3 with CAANZ for its autonomous flight technology. Merlin also recently concluded a key issue paper with the regulator regarding the certification approach for its artificial intelligence and machine learning-based natural language processing capabilities.
Merlin Chief Technology Officer Tim Burns noted that the certification reflects a rigorous evaluation by the national aviation authority.
“CAANZ assessed how we qualify our engineers, how our processes work, and how we hold ourselves accountable, then concluded we could carry that responsibility,” Burns said. “That’s a durable statement about the quality and maturity of our engineering organization and process.”
Beyond its commercial regulatory efforts, Merlin is concurrently developing autonomous capabilities for military applications. The company holds an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) with a ceiling value of $105 million to integrate its autonomy program into the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.
AirPro News analysis
Securing a Part 146 certificate from a recognized civil aviation authority like CAANZ represents a critical maturation step for an aerospace startup. For companies developing novel technologies such as autonomous flight systems, reliance on third-party design organizations often introduces significant bottlenecks. By obtaining internal delegation authority, we view Merlin as positioning itself to iterate and certify its systems more rapidly. CAANZ is known for its forward-leaning approach to novel aviation technologies, making New Zealand a strategic testing and certification ground that often paves the way for subsequent approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Sources: Merlin, Inc.
Photo Credit: Merlin, Inc.
Training & Certification
RCAF Integrates First CT-153 Juno Under FAcT Program
Canada’s RCAF activates its first CT-153 Juno helicopter at Southport, launching the 11.2B CAD Future Aircrew Training program.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has officially integrated its first Airbus H135 helicopter, designated the CT-153 Juno, into its training fleet at Southport, Manitoba. The milestone marks the operational launch of Canada’s 11.2 billion CAD Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, a 25-year initiative to consolidate and modernize military pilot instruction.
In an update published on August 17, 2026, Airbus Helicopters confirmed the aircraft’s readiness for advanced rotary-wing training. The initial Delivery occurred on June 17, 2026, following test flights and livery reveals at the Airbus facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. The CT-153 Juno will replace the RCAF’s legacy CH-139 and CT-146 Helicopters, serving as the primary platform for Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing operations.
Consolidating Canada’s training ecosystem
The FAcT program represents a structural overhaul of Canadian military aviation training. Managed by SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, the Contracts brings previously disparate RCAF and contracted training pipelines under a single umbrella. SkyAlyne has ordered 19 CT-153 Juno helicopters as part of a broader 71-aircraft fleet renewal.
Deliveries of the remaining 18 helicopters are scheduled to continue through 2028. Maintenance and in-service support for the rotary-wing segment will be handled by Canadian Helicopters Limited (CHL).
SkyAlyne General Manager Kevin Lemke described the initiative as a generational shift for the government.
“The Future Aircrew Training programme is basically a reset of everything to do with RCAF aircrews training. It’s the largest services contract in the history of the Canadian government,” Lemke stated.
Technical specifications and historical homage
The CT-153 Juno is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 engines and features the Airbus Helionix Avionics suite. The platform is designed to transition student pilots to advanced operational aircraft.
Colonel Lauri Denis of the RCAF emphasized the operational relevance of the new fleet, noting that the aircraft provides exactly what modern aircrews need to train on before moving to advanced platforms and operational units.
The aircraft’s visual design and nomenclature carry specific historical weight. The name “Juno” commemorates Canada’s role in the D-Day landings at Juno Beach. The helicopter features a “Reflect Forward” livery that combines dark blue with high-visibility “training yellow.” This paint scheme honors the Second World War-era British Commonwealth Air Training Program while providing necessary contrast for training flights over diverse Canadian terrain.
AirPro News analysis
We view the activation of the CT-153 Juno as a critical de-risking milestone for the FAcT program. Transitioning from legacy platforms like the CH-139 to a glass-cockpit, Helionix-equipped H135 bridges a significant technological gap for RCAF student pilots. By aligning the training environment more closely with frontline operational assets, the RCAF can likely reduce the time and cost associated with type-conversion training at operational squadrons. The selection of domestic partners like Pratt & Whitney Canada and the final assembly in Fort Erie underscores the Canadian government’s strategy of leveraging defense procurement to sustain the domestic aerospace industrial base.
Sources: Airbus Newsroom
Photo Credit: Airbus
Training & Certification
US Army Awards $10B Flight School Next Contract to Team M1
The U.S. Army awarded a $10B, 26-year contract to Team M1 to train up to 1,500 helicopter pilots annually using the Robinson R66.
The U.S. Army has awarded a $10 billion, 26-year contract to a consortium led by M1 Support Services to overhaul its initial Helicopters pilot training program at Fort Novosel, Alabama. The August 13, 2026, award transitions the military branch to a contractor-owned, contractor-operated model utilizing the single-engine Robinson R66.
Announced in a press release by M1 Support Services, the single-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract falls under the Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) program. The initiative will replace the current twin-engine Airbus UH-72A Lakota fleet with the Robinson R66, which will carry the military designation TH-66 Sage. The shift aims to reduce costs and refocus student pilots on fundamental aviation skills before they transition to advanced operational aircraft.
The Team M1 consortium and contract scope
Team M1 includes prime contractor M1 Support Services, Robinson Helicopter Company, Quantum Helicopters, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), and the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF). Under the contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) framework, the consortium will provide the aircraft, maintenance, flight simulators, and flight instruction.
This consolidation allows the U.S. Army to scale training based on annual throughput requirements. The program is projected to train between 800 and 1,500 new pilots each year. The Contracts period of performance runs through August 12, 2052. George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1 Support Services, stated the company will deliver an integrated training solution to develop proficient aviators on time and on budget.
Transitioning from the Lakota to the TH-66 Sage
The Airbus UH-72A Lakota has served as the primary Training aircraft at the installation historically known as Fort Rucker since 2015. Military officials eventually determined the twin-engine Lakota was too advanced and expensive for initial entry rotary-wing training. The Army Contracting Command received 11 bids for the FSN program. In the final evaluation phases, Team M1 competed against proposals from Lockheed Martin and Bell Textron Inc., which pitched the Bell 505.
The selection of the Robinson R66 marks a return to a single-engine trainer for the Army.
“This decision gives the Army a proven training platform that truly prepares Army aviators, made in America, and ready to fly today. Reliable and cost effective, it is built to deliver readiness at a fraction of the cost of current platforms,” said David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the U.S. Army’s decision to adopt a COCO model for Flight School Next mirrors a broader military trend of outsourcing non-combat training infrastructure to commercial providers. By shifting the capital expenditure of aircraft procurement and the logistical burden of maintenance to Team M1, the Army can insulate its training pipeline from the procurement bottlenecks that often affect organic military acquisition programs. The selection of the Robinson R66 over the Bell 505 represents a significant victory for Robinson Helicopter Company in the military training sector. This Strategy establishes a long-term revenue stream and validates the R66 platform for high-volume institutional training.
Sources: M1 Support Services
Photo Credit: M1 Support Services
-
UAV & Drones7 days agoDufour Aerospace Aero-200 eVTOL Targets 2027 Serial Production
-
Technology & Innovation5 days agoSkyband Systems M100 LRU Validates GNSS Jamming Protection
-
MRO & Manufacturing4 days agoBoeing SPEEA Engineers Reject Contract, Authorize Strike
-
Military Technology5 days agoSaab Unveils A3-001 Supersonic Stealth Drone Concept
-
Business Aviation4 days agoFTAI Aviation Closes $2B Warehouse Financing for 2026 SPV