Pipistrel expands US distribution network; appoints US West Coast distributor, Elemental Aviation

Pipistrel expanded its US distribution network with the appointment of a third regional distributor, Elemental Aviation, for the West Coast. Dedicated to advancing aviation through sustainable and innovative solutions, Elemental Aviation will be responsible for sales, service support and training for Pipistrel’s ultralight, light sport and type certified aircraft. Elemental Aviation will oversee sales and service in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.

Stephen Mckenna, director of sales and marketing, Pipistrel, commented: “By collaborating with Elemental Aviation, we are strengthening our distribution capabilities and ensuring that flight schools and training centers throughout the West Coast have convenient access to Pipistrel aircraft, including the Alpha Trainer, which is among the best options for trainee pilots in the United States. The Alpha Trainer configured with Garmin G3X avionics can accommodate a variety of training missions while offering low acquisition, operating and maintenance costs. Now with Elemental Aviation, flight schools can rely on timely access to parts and support, ensuring uninterrupted training operations and maximum aircraft availability. We are proud to welcome the Elemental Aviation team to the Pipistrel family.”

Jason Talley, Founder and CEO of Elemental Aviation, said: “At Elemental Aviation, we firmly believe that the future of aviation lies in access to affordable and sustainable training solutions. Collaborating with Pipistrel allows us to combine our expertise and introduce the next generation pilots to the incredible potential of electric aviation as well as Pipistrel’s amazing lineup of sustainable aircraft.”

In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000.  Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.