Wichita, Kansas

Textron eAviation donates Pipistrel Velis Electro to EAA auction

Textron eAviation announced it is donating a Pipistrel Velis Electro - the world’s first type certified electric powered aircraft - to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) auction at The Gathering during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

The donation will support all of EAA’s charitable programs, including its efforts to engage young people in the world of aviation.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro, designed and manufactured by Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, is set to take top billing at the auction, which will feature around 20 items and is raising funds for causes including the EAA’s Young Eagles program, which has offered free airplane rides to those aged 8-17 since 1992.

Pipistrel Velis Electro

Rob Scholl, president and CEO, Textron eAviation, says: “We’re proud to support EAA and the Young Eagles program, which has provided young people around the world with their first exposure to aviation for more than 30 years. We know that exciting new technologies and aircraft, like the Pipistrel Velis Electro, can attract the next generation to our industry and we are committed to playing our part. Through this collaboration, we also lend our support to the EAA’s efforts to lead the way in advocating on behalf of experimental and light sport aircraft, both in the US and globally.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world’s largest fly-in convention, with this year’s event taking place 24-30 July. It welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft and 600,000 attendees annually, showcasing the latest innovations and aircraft from around the world.

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro - which is type-certified by EASA and currently under an experimental licence in the US - will be on static display during EAA AirVenture, at booth 393, taking part in the flight display from 3pm each day, as well as at the gala itself.

Prospective auctionees will be able to bid live at the event or arrange proxy bidding with EAA Aviation Foundation beforehand for the Velis Electro, which produces zero emissions during operation and is ultra-quiet both on the inside and outside, with noise levels of only 60dBa. The winner of the auction will be announced during The Gathering on Thursday, July 27th.

For more information, visit: https://e-aviation.com/index.html