First European Ultralight To Receive The Approval From The CAA

Pipistrel is officially flying the first European Ultralight aircraft certified for Night Flight in Poland, the Alpha Trainer. The company says the approval is due in large part to the efforts of its Polish distributor, Mr Krzysztof Bedkowski, and what the company says is an "excellent" relationship with the CAA of Poland.

"We are proud that our Alpha Trainer is the first ultralight aircraft certified to fly in Poland under Night-VFR conditions," said Pipistrel's CEO Ivo Boscarol. "Night VFR gives Pipistrel Alpha Trainer owners the possibility to keep flying even when winter time shortens the sunshine hours. Flight schools also benefit (from) extended operating time with the Alpha, which is the most cost effective trainer for Night VFR operations."

"With the Alpha, pilots can enjoy the beauty of flying over illuminated cities and over countryside under full moon," said Krzysztof Bedkowski, director or Skydream and Pipistrel distributor in Poland. "We are committed to collaborate with Polish Aviation Authorities to obtain the Night VFR certificate for the Pipistrel Virus SW and eventually for other Pipistrel models."

The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer is a two-seat composite aircraft, powered by the Rotax 912 80 HP engine, burning only 2.5 US gallons per hour of fuel on a typical flight. The most popular LSA variant is produced in Italy, but also available is the Microlight/Ultralight model which is made in Slovenia. Alpha Trainer ships is one “full-equipment” configuration, which includes Radio, Transponder, GPS, Ballistic Parachute Rescue System, specially developed Analog/Digital instruments, extra strong landing gear, external lights and more.

(Photo by Lukasz Bera provided by Pipistrel)

FMI: www.pipistrel.si