ILS37R
Well-Known Member
My main issue with these electric trainers right now is that a student would need to train on both the electric and ICE powerplants prior to their checkride. I can see how the electrics could be useful for pattern work or even limited air work based out of a rural airport, but there's no getting around the required longer flights for a rating. On the one hand, I see a real benefit to a student in saving a heckuva lot of money in the pattern, but I would be loathe to send a primary student to an examiner with two *very different* powerplants bouncing around their brains.
The other bummer about this particular plane is the endurance isn't quite enough for a quickie BFR (e.g. a known competent pilot just checking the box). Get me at least two hours total endurance and we'll talk, but battery tech isn't there *yet*.
I'm happy to see companies pushing the envelop and wish them success in that, but we're still half-baked when it comes to electric, people-carrying, airplanes.
The other bummer about this particular plane is the endurance isn't quite enough for a quickie BFR (e.g. a known competent pilot just checking the box). Get me at least two hours total endurance and we'll talk, but battery tech isn't there *yet*.
I'm happy to see companies pushing the envelop and wish them success in that, but we're still half-baked when it comes to electric, people-carrying, airplanes.