Saxon Air is proud to announce the successful completion of the Air League’s inaugural Electric Flying Scholarship, hosted within the Klyne Business Aviation Centre at Saxon Air’s Flight Training school. This marks a pivotal milestone in Saxon Air’s history and that of the broader aviation industry. A leader in sustainable aviation, Saxon Air was delighted to be selected to collaborate with The Air League to provide aspiring pilots with this ground breaking opportunity to train on the world’s first certified all-electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro.
Taking place over three days, the scholarship offered an immersive experience that included five hours of flight time on the Pipistrel Velis Electro, simulator training and comprehensive ground school instruction. Saxon Air’s expert instructors also led focused discussions on the importance of sustainability in aviation, reinforcing our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of flight training.
A defining moment for Saxon Air
For Saxon Air, facilitating The Air League’s first Electric Flying Scholarship is more than just an opportunity to showcase our electric training, it represents a fundamental shift in how we approach flight training and our role in the aviation industry. As the industry increasingly moves towards greener technologies, the Velis Electro represents a significant step forward in reducing the carbon footprint of flight training. By integrating this aircraft into our training programs, Saxon Air is setting new standards for environmental responsibility in aviation.
The success of this scholarship has far-reaching implications for the future of flight training. By offering hands-on experience with electric aircraft, Saxon Air is preparing the next generation of pilots to navigate an industry that is rapidly evolving in response to environmental challenges.
A historic milestone in electric flight training and its impact
Isla, the first scholar to participate in the programme, exemplifies its positive impact. Her experience with the Velis Electro and time at Saxon Air have not only enhanced her flying skills but also broadened her understanding of what it means to be a pilot in today’s world.
“Flying the Pipistrel Velis Electro was an incredible experience. Compared to the Cessna 152s that I had previously flown, the Velis Electro is very responsive to the smallest control inputs. It’s a really cool aircraft to fly, and I love hearing it go to full power! It sounds almost like a jet aircraft at high RPM and at low speeds, on the ground, when there’s no thrust input, the propeller completely stops.”
Reflecting on her time at Saxon Air, Isla added, “I have loved my time with Saxon Air; the staff are really accommodating and professional, especially considering I was the first scholar they took on. The aircraft they have are simple to train on, much more eco-friendly than the fleets of other flight schools and more fun to fly. The tuition was first-class and clear; I learned so much in the short time I was there. I thoroughly recommend Saxon Air’s course to anyone interested in gaining their PPL or trying electric aircraft. I enjoyed learning in an industry environment and the experience has made an amazing difference to my career prospects.”
Pioneering sustainable aviation training
As a forward-thinking aviation company, Saxon Air is dedicated to advancing the future of flight through sustainable practices. The success of this first Electric Flying Scholarship marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to lead the industry in environmentally friendly training solutions.
The Air League share “the 2024 Scholarship Programme represents the passion young people have for careers in aviation. With nearly 1,000 applications—an impressive 25% increase from 2023—the future of aviation is incapable hands. This year, we are particularly proud to introduce the UK’s first Electric Flying Scholarships in partnership with Saxon Air, further expanding the opportunities available to our scholars. We are confident that the 2024recipients will leverage these scholarships to soar towards long and successful careers in aviation. We extend our best wishes to all the 2024 Air League Scholars as they embark on their training journeys”.
Saxon Air is committed to deepening its partnership with The Air League and other organisations to deliver pioneering training programmes that prioritise sustainability and excellence in aviation. Looking ahead, Saxon Air eagerly anticipates welcoming more scholars to our Flight Training Centre as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable aviation.
About Air League
The Air League is the UK’s leading aviation and aerospace charity focused on Changing Lives Through Aviation. Its core purpose is to inspire young people through Scholarships, Bursaries, outreach programmes, work experience opportunities, volunteering and events, into the aviation and aerospace industries to champion the future of the British aviation and aerospace sectors. Each year, many hundreds of people from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit from Air League support to help them start a career, build self-esteem and well-being, make them feel valued and realise what they can achieve. In 2024, the Air League has awarded 90 Flying, Gliding and Electric Flying Scholarships with a focus on sustainability and progression. The Air League breaks down the perceived barriers to the aviation industry and through our scholarships and outreach programmes create a life-long impact on beneficiaries, many of which stay involved throughout their careers.
Website: ElectricFlying Scholarships – Air League
About Pipistrel
Pipistrel by Textron eAviation is the global leader in electric aircraft and is focused on the future of sustainable flight.
