A Connecticut flight training school is the first in the nation to use an all-electric aircraft.
Learn2FlyCT, based at Hartford-Brainard Airport, has been given a special exemption by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Dr. Kat Jones, the company’s Chief Flight Instructor, says it’s the next big thing for the aviation industry.
“This sort of technology is just pushing the boundaries further like we did with electric cars, you know, slow and steady and then suddenly everybody's doing it,” Jones said. “The only way to get things done is actually to use them. And part of our exemption is to report back to the FAA any issues or anything we want to discuss with them to make this technology better and more widely available.”
The electric plane can do everything a conventional gas-powered plane can, but it's quieter and better for the environment.
It has a flying time of around one hour, with charging taking about the same time.
Jones said they will train with the plane after acquiring further FAA accreditation.
