Pipistrel light sport aircraft

Pipistrel last won at NASA's Green Challenge with their unusual Taurus entry that featured two fuselages joined by a major electric motor housing. That distinctive aircraft was never intended for production but lessons learned resulted in a December 2012 delivery of their updated Taurus G2 Electro to a father and son from New York.

Pipistrel reports the G2 has "improved battery management system, more powerful electrical engine, and the charger is now portable as well." The aircraft is capable of delivering more power from the batteries with shorter recharge cycles, providing 1000+ cycles with new lithium-ion batteries. New custom-developed cockpit instruments help inform the pilot.

Dealers and mechanics from around the world gathered at the Pipistrel factory for intensive training. Without well trained dealers and mechanics out in the field, no factory can keep customers or authorities fully satisfied.

So, like other top LSA producers, Pipistrel held a dealer training session in their factory in late November. Such gatherings are also a chance to gain feedback from those dealing directly with customers.

As Pipistrel reported, "Distributors received important education about maintenance, flight training, new models such as the Alpha Trainer and the Virus SW iS. They also participated in the factory strategic planning by providing market feedback from their countries and new, fresh ideas for our product line."

Moving beyond their focus of sporting aircraft, Pipistrel debuted their sleekly shaped entry in the four seater category called the Panthera. The company reports getting many requests for an update on its development.

Officials wrote that they've seen "major advancements in three areas: specialized test equipment, aircraft structural tests, and preparation for certification." After designing and building structural testing equipment Pipistrel engineers and technicians were able to perform torsion, stress, and deformation tests of aircraft structures.

They report coordinating with European governing authorities at EASA to obtain [initial] approval for certified aircraft production. Pipistrel joins LSA builders — Evektor, Flight Design, and Tecnam — in work on a four seat product

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