Electric aeroplane flight training

• Electrically powered aircraft: powered by electricity, typically batteries driving electric motors. Hybrid (battery plus fuel) counts (Standard 425.12 note).
• Approval: training toward Recreation Pilot Permit or Private Pilot licence in one requires a Transport Canada approved flight training program (425.12).
• Program must contain (425.14(1)):
  • a list of aerodromes where training can take place
  • the training exercises specific to electrically powered aircraft
  • the risks of limited endurance and the measures that mitigate them
• Mitigation must include (425.14(1)(c)):
  • ground school modules specific to each electric aircraft type operated
  • appropriate training areas
  • a designated training flight profile for each air exercise
  • suitable preflight planning procedures
  • minimum battery charge levels at termination of a flight
• Program outline: each trainee's outline states fuel/battery charge level reserves for dual and solo, local and cross-country flights (425.13(e)).

Trap: minimum battery charge is set at the end of flight (termination), not the start; named risk is limited endurance.

Practice