The Star: April 18, 2024

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Thursday April 18 2024 The Star Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz NEWS 15 Flying into an electric future A Cass Bay resident is leading the charge helping electric planes take off in New Zealand. Reporter Dylan Smits spoke with Gary Freedman about his career promoting green technology GARY FREEDMAN’S long time love of hang gliding transitioned into flying small aircraft as a hobby in 2012. “One day I was driving my electric car to the airfield to fly a petrol plane and I just knew that wasn’t quite right. To do all this work in renewables, I was driving an electric car, but my hobby was burning petrol.” The thought set him off on a search for innovative companies investing in electric aviation technology. In 2016, before his move to Cass Bay from the United Kingdom, Freedman visited the Pipistrel aircraft manufacturer in Slovenia and took a test flight in the fullyelectric Alpha Electro. “I just thought it was fantastic. I really enjoyed it. It was quiet. It was smooth. The performance was great and it wasn’t burning fossil fuels.” TAKE-OFF: Gary Freedman is a tireless advocate for electric airplanes in New Zealand. He hopes to see the purchase of more models which will bring down aviation emissions. In 2021 Gary Freedman achieved a world record breaking flight across the Cook Strait. It was the first time an electric plane has made the 78km flight from Blenheim to Wellington. The Alpha Electro is a two-seater aircraft with interchangeable battery units which power an electric motor. There is no fuel, the only liquid in the aircraft is coolant for the motor. Freedman bought the plane when founding Electric Air in 2020, making it New Zealand’s first and only fully-electric plane. He now flies it regularly from bases at the Rangiora airfield and Christchurch Airport. Freedman loves flying because it “turns your world into a three dimensional playground”. “You have stunning views below you. It’s a chance to have a bit of fun and play in the clouds.” Even better, he says using an electric plane allows you to fly “guilt free” without worrying about burning fossil fuels. Originally from London, Freedman says he has always been outdoorsy and passionate about protecting the environment. Since moving to Cass Bay in 2018 with his wife and two children, he has combined his passions for flying and clean energy through Electric Air. “I’m a person who has always loved the outdoors and nature. Even as a young person I was always pretty aware of the sensitivity of nature and biodiversity.” Promoting knowledge and use of electric planes in New Zealand has become one of Freedman’s life missions. He claimed a world record and milestone for electric planes in 2021 with the world’s longest flight over water. The journey took him 78km from Blenheim to Wellington, soaring over Cook Strait. “It was a fantastic feeling. We had the goal of flying over Cook Strait because it had been about 100 years since the first flight over in a petrol plane.” • Turn to page 16 A CONSIDERED CHOICE HOLLY LEA CARE CENTRE At Holly Lea, we are committed to delivering exceptional care. A place where personalised care meets modern care practices and facilities. Ensuring your lifestyle is as you’d like it to be, not as you’re told it has to be. Holly Lea Care Centre offers care up to hospital level, as well as a specialised memory support unit. 123 FENDALTON R OAD, CHRISTCHURCH | 03 351 7764 | HOLLYLEA. CO. NZ
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The Star: April 18, 2024

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