e-flight-Journal_4-2022

Expos / Fairs
The interface of the control panel of the uncrewed Prosperity I prototype
Airport feeling for the e-planes. At Bern-Belp Airport, electric aircraft like this Elektra trainer joined the traffic.
TThe sixth Electrifly-In was this timeheld in
the tranquil town of Grenchen, directly at the
international airport of Bern-Belp. Nevertheless,
the organizers around President Sandra Dubach
managed to maintain the ambience of a small fly-in
with few security checks. Once again, the meeting
really provided a glimpse into the future of general
aviation, even though not all of the Swiss projects
were at the start. For example, H55 with its B23
Energic, developed together with BRM Aero, was
missing, and Dufour Aerospace was unfortunately
also not on site with its aircraft.
But another player, Alpine Airplanes, the Swiss
importer of e-flight pioneer Pipistrel, demonstrated
how e-flight can work. With three Pipistrel Velis
and the associated charging station, Alpine boss
Marc B. Corpataux not only ensured that the VIP
guests got into the air electrically, but he also
organized demo flights for completely ‘normal’
visitors, and one of these flights could even be
won in a raffle. Although the Velis did not score
with the longest travelling distance at the e-Trophy,
thanks to sophisticated charging technology and
logistics, the white high-wing Velis were humming
e-flight ambassador Dominique Gisin and e-world flier Bertrand Piccard.
4 / 2022
e Flight Journal
49