Florida Tech Becomes First American University to Own, Fly an Electric Plane
By Adam Lowenstein, Florida Tech News Bureau // August 13, 2021
Buehler Grant Supports Historic First Electric Plane at Florida Tech
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech is the first American university to own and fly an electric plane, thanks to the generosity of the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro purchased via the Trust took its maiden flight this week.
The two-seater – the first electric-powered airplane certified in Europe – has not been flown in the United States until now. It is awaiting U.S. certification, so Florida Tech is flying it under the “experimental” category.
Florida Tech alumnus and former associate dean Isaac Silver was the pilot. He flew for 22 minutes, using about a third of the aircraft’s battery capacity. Operating cost: $1.03. The Velis Electro has zero emissions and reduced noise.
Offering a look into the future of general and commercial aviation, the aircraft is also of interest to the Federal Aviation Administration: The federal agency is in the process of awarding Florida Tech an $85,000 contract to provide data from the first 50 flight hours of the Velis Electro.
The Buehler Perpetual Trust has long been a generous supporter of Florida Tech aviation, giving $3.7 million towards the establishment of the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research and the Flight Test Engineering program.
“We are so grateful to donors like the Buehler Trust, who help us remain on the cutting edge of aviation education,” said Gary Grant, senior vice president for development.
CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS
