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Colombian Civil Aviation Authority Aerocivil has awarded type certification to Slovenia-based Pipistrel for the Pipistrel Explorer, Velis Club and X-Eye, a variant of the 121A Explorer designed for aerial surveying.
The move makes Pipistrel, a part of Textron, the first organization to receive Aerocivil’s Colombian Regulation-Very Light Aircraft (RAC-VLA) type certification, the company says. The approvals open new opportunities for customers in Colombia to own and operate Pipistrel aircraft, which expands the company’s global reach.
“Pipistrel’s successful type certification by Aerocivil marks a crucial step in demonstrating our commitment to meeting international aviation standards,” says Gabriel Massey, Pipistrel president and managing director. “This achievement not only opens up new opportunities in Colombia but also serves as a blueprint for our entry into other markets with similar regulatory frameworks.”
The 100 hp, two-seat Pipistrel Explorer, a light sport aircraft suited for remote operations, has a maximum cruise speed of 133 ktas and a maximum range of 646 nm. It is approved for day and night VFR operations and includes IFR-ready avionics, advanced autopilot, constant speed propeller and other features. It received EASA type certification in 2021.
The Velis Club, a variant based on the Virus SW 121,is designed for flight training and other operations. It has a cruise speed of 133 ktas, a maximum range of 625 nm and a maximum endurance of 5 hr. 23 min. It includes an optional ballistic parachute recovery system.
The X-Eye AG, a modified version of the Explorer 121A variant, is equipped with a cargo pod to carry equipment and features a ballistic rescue system. The X-Eye is a surveying aircraft system with advanced special mission capabilities and payload options. It serves as a mapping platform for remote sensing applications, such as 3D modeling, pipeline inspections and environmental analysis, Pipistrel notes.
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