RAF Lossiemouth's flying club goes green as new electric aircraft takes off

An RAF Lossiemouth-based flying club has taken a massive step in its environmental ambitions after its new electric aircraft took to the skies for the first time.

A new Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft performed its first training flight as the Moray Flying Club aims to be the first recreational club in the UK to offer direct carbon emission-free initial pilot training.          

The plane - which is powered by electricity from the grid like an electric car – took off from the airfield that is used by the Royal Air Force QRA Typhoon jets and P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

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The new aircraft is one of a number of moves by the club to become more environmentally friendly.

Moray Flying Club has been using a virtual reality simulator to cut the flying hours needed to achieve a full private pilot's licence and has replaced two older planes with Rotax-engine aircraft that use lower-lead fuel.

It is estimated these measures will cut the club's overall emissions by 30%

Squadron Leader David Taudevin, the officer-in-charge at Moray Flying Club, said: "As the RAF seeks to achieve Net Zero by 2040, ahead of the UK’s 2050 target, our recreational flying clubs need to play their part and so we're delighted that our electric aircraft has taken to the skies.

"This is a momentous occasion for us as a club and represents a big leap forward into a new world of sustainable aviation, helping Moray Flying Club's students learn to fly in a cleaner, greener way.

"While these innovations are already helping our club significantly reduce its environmental and noise impact, cutting our direct emissions is only the first step.

"We hope that by sharing our experience with other military and civilian flying clubs we can help drive the recreational flying sector towards Net Zero."

Moray Flying Club was founded in 1990 as an RAF Sporting Association flying club.

Membership is open to military personnel, their families and cadets.