So which experimental aircraft company do you think will come out with an electric version of their kit and how long in the future?
I wonder if a little diesel burning Jet A, pushing a generator, driving an electric would work?
As of now electric propulsion isn't legal for aircraft certified in the light sport category, another case where the FARs need to catch up with technology.
Is that true if it's a LSA motor glider?
http://www.alisport.com/?product=silent-2-4
FAR part 1, Light-sport aircraft.....:
(6) A single reciprocating engine, if powered.
(7) & (8) both give exceptions for the propeller if a powered glider. No exception for engine type if powered glider.
This is a LSA, correct?
How did it sneak into Fresno..
https://www.pipistrel-usa.com/newsletter-101/
If it's classified as a glider (and what you can call a glider in the homebuilt world is pretty...liberal), then you don't need to worry about light sport rules. The medical rules are different for gliders; even motorgliders. No medical or alternate means of compliance is needed for gliders, and if my information is correct, that includes motor gliders.
I haven't looked lately; you might need a type rating if you 'motorize' a glider with a turbine. But I don't think the rules say anything about powerplant type (internal combustion vs. electric, vs. steam, for that matter) on a motorglider.
Anyone have better info?
Charlie
Doesn't meet LSA definition!
Their web site says different...Doesn't meet LSA definition!
So which experimental aircraft company do you think will come out with an electric version of their kit and how long in the future?
That's nice for their website. However as a DAR, I have to follow FAA Regulations and Orders, and I have not received any information on changes or exemptions to the Regs. I have questions in to Oklahoma City.Their web site says different...
In keeping with Pipistrel?s tradition of continuing evolution, quality, high tech manufacturing and now most importantly flying without ruining the environment through toxic gases or excessive noise, Pipistrel is proud to introduce the Pipistrel ALPHA Electro.
The name ?Pipistrel ALPHA Electro? describes the exact purpose of this exciting new aircraft designed for Light Sport Aircraft Flying Schools in markets and countries which have the FAA-LSA (or adaptation of ASTM rules) categories.
The aircraft has been designed with the ?essence of training? as its primary design goal; training has to start somewhere, just like the modern alphabet starts with the letter ?A? this new aircraft bears the name ALPHA, the ALPHA Electro to be exact.
The aircraft is available in a fixed configuration of instrumentation and is targeted directly to flight schools and the training market but can also be used by recreational flyers looking for a fully featured electric aircraft at very reasonable pricing.
And from the data sheet FAQ -
No, to keep the cost of the Pipistrel ALPHA ELECTRO as low as possible theaircraft is only available in a set instrument configuration. One set
configuration for USA (LSA) markets and another set configuration for Europe.
The name “Pipistrel ALPHA Electro” describes the exact purpose of this exciting new aircraft designed for Light Sport Aircraft Flying Schools in markets and countries which have the FAA-LSA (or adaptation of ASTM rules) categories.
That's nice for their website. However as a DAR, I have to follow FAA Regulations and Orders, and I have not received any information on changes or exemptions to the Regs. I have questions in to Oklahoma City.