Pipistrel Alpha Trainer

Pipistrel · Slovenia · first flew 2012 · light aircraft

The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer is a composite high-wing LSA designed primarily as a cost-effective flight training platform, sharing its airframe with the Velis Electro to enable mixed conventional and electric training fleets.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	6.46 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

high-wing composite LSA with very clean aerodynamic lines
side-by-side seating under a large panoramic canopy
fixed tricycle undercarriage with streamlined spats

Very similar in profile to the Velis Electro; the Rotax cowling and exhaust stacks distinguish it from the electric variant on close inspection.

Specifications

The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer has a length of 6.46 m (21 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.21 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).
Typical crew: 1-2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Pipistrel introduced the Alpha Trainer around 2012 as a modern replacement for ageing fabric microlight trainers, offering the reliability and low maintenance of composite construction. The design was deliberately developed alongside the electric Velis Electro to share components and reduce fleet operating costs for flying schools. It uses the Rotax 912 engine in its conventional form.

Variants

The Alpha Trainer is the standard Rotax-powered version; the Velis Electro is the electric derivative using the same airframe with an Axon electric motor.

Where you'll see it

The Alpha Trainer is operated by UK flying schools on NPPL training programmes; its EASA certification and modern safety features make it attractive for ab initio instruction.

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