Hi Reader,

Are piston engines are holding us back?

Electric motors are already faster and smarter in nearly every way but aviation still leans toward the century-old internal combustion engine.

Here’s what you need to know.

Power-to-Weight Matters

The biggest challenge in replacing aircraft engines with electric motors is energy storage.

• Avgas delivers about 43 MJ/kg
• Modern lithium-ion batteries hold around 0.9 MJ/kg

A Cessna 172’s fuel tanks provide roughly 5 hours of endurance. Current batteries would last less than an hour in the same airframe, depending on load.

Aircraft engines win on energy density. For now.

But electric motors are simpler, lighter, and more reliable: - No oil changes - Fewer moving parts - Immediate torque

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Operational Benefits of Electric

Electric trainer aircraft offer practical short-flight use cases.

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first EASA-certified electric airplane in 2020. It’s used for circuit training and short hops.

Its operating cost: around $25/hour

Compare that to $90–$120/hour for most piston engine trainers.

But there’s a catch: 50-minute endurance + VFR reserves = roughly 30 minutes of useful flight time.

Still, for touch-and-go practice, it cuts fuel costs, noise complaints, and mechanical downtime.

Maintenance and Inspections

Electric aircraft reduce maintenance burden: - No exhaust systems - No magnetos - No carburetors - No oil filters - No spark plugs

Fewer systems mean fewer inspection points and simpler preflights.

That also means less AOG time and more flying.

Flight School Impact

Flying schools are paying attention. Lower hourly costs, easier maintenance, and community-friendly noise levels make electric aircraft appealing.

Airbus, Diamond, and Bye Aerospace are heavily investing in electric flight platforms. But mass adoption depends entirely on battery tech.

Current Limitations

Range and recharging still limit electric aircraft: - Charging infrastructure remains limited at GA airports - Recharge times often exceed the refuel turnaround - Battery degradation reduces performance over time

For most Part 61 students pursuing a PPL, electric aircraft won’t handle the required solo cross-countries or night flights.

But they help stretch training budgets by handling early dual lessons.

Have You Flown Electric Yet?

If your school offers an electric trainer, consider trying it.

You’ll learn energy management fast.

Do you think electric aircraft will ever replace our classic trainers?

Or will they stay as circuit-bound novelty tools?

Either way, tech is changing—and pilots need to adapt.

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