Qualicum Beach residents will get a chance to see and hear an electric plane fly and land at Qualicum Beach Airport.
Sealand Flight will be bringing its Pipistrel Velis Electro to its school at Qualicum Beach Airport to demonstrate its capabilities on Friday, Aug. 2 with a 45-minute flight at 3 p.m.
The objective is to highlight the environmentally friendly features of the electric aircraft that operates much more quietly than traditional planes like the Cessna 172. The electric engine significantly reduces noise pollution, making flight training less intrusive for the surrounding community.
Some Qualicum Beach residents who live within the flight path of the airport's runway have been expressing concerns to the town about the noise of aircraft flying in and out of the area.
Sealand Flight already operates an electric aircraft at Campbell River Aiport. They have already approached Qualicum Beach council to consider putting in an EV charging station at the airport as it plans to add at least one electric aircraft to their fleet.
"I imagine a world where aircraft engine noise is an anomaly and not the norm,” said Sealand manager Nancy Marshall, who has roots in the Qualicum Beach community and acknowledged the importance of balancing their operations with the needs of the community. “Our goal is to reduce our emissions and noise pollution to net zero. This goal is achievable.”
Environmental benefits switching to the Velis Electro, Sealand Flight stated in a news release, include not only lessening noise, but also reducing emissions.
