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Flying an electric aircraft gave me a new appreciation of the challenges involved in making aviation more sustainable.
Spending the summer flying electric planes
Eachan, a BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering student, was the recipient of a prestigious Electric Flying Scholarship from the Air League. The scholarship gave him the opportunity to train with Saxon Air at Norwich International Airport, flying the Pipistrel Velis Electro - the world’s first certified electric aircraft.
“The experience was awesome. I was extremely fortunate to be among the first in the country to learn to fly an electric plane. The Velis Electro is a remarkable lightweight aircraft, with flight characteristics somewhere between the gliders I’ve flown and conventionally powered light aircraft.”
Under the guidance of his instructor, Eachan developed his flying skills while gaining hands-on experience with the unique aspects of electric aviation - an entirely new area for him. But beyond the thrill of flight, the scholarship offered deeper insights into aircraft systems, particularly the critical role of reducing weight and drag to extend range.
“Flying an electric aircraft gave me a new appreciation of the challenges involved in making aviation more sustainable,” he explains.
“In particular, understanding that the current power-to-weight limitation of electric batteries remains one of the greatest obstacles facing aeronautical engineers striving to design viable electric aircraft.”
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Looking forward to a high-flying career
Eachan’s passion for aviation began early. At just nine years old, he wrote to legendary test pilot Captain Eric “Winkle” Brown. He later joined his local gliding club and RAF Air Cadet Squadron, experiences that laid the foundation for his decision to study aeronautical engineering.
Now, with aspirations to become an aerodynamicist - and possibly a test pilot - Eachan is focused on the future of sustainable aviation. He hopes to pursue postgraduate research in aeronautics, with a particular interest in low-carbon aircraft design.
“This scholarship has been amazing,” he says. “It’s not just about flying - it’s about understanding the challenges and potential of electric flight. That knowledge will directly inform my academic work and future career.”
Eachan is deeply grateful to the Air League for the opportunity and is excited to contribute to a greener future for aviation.
“There’s increasing pressure to reduce air travel,” he says. “My ambition is to help make aviation so sustainable and efficient that people can fly more, not less.”
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