A small electric aircraft that the pilot describes as ‘awesome to fly’, has been on show around Scotland lately. What makes this particularly interesting is it takes off and lands on conventional runways. Electric planes for Scottish communities is something we just had to investigate further.
Electric Planes For Scottish Highlands
The company behind the project expects the battery-power aircraft will enter commercial service in the next few years. The initial operating area will be Northern Scotland, and in particular Aberdeen and the Highlands and Islands.
Aberdeen links to the oil and gas fields in the North Sea. While the Highlands and Islands are home to smaller, isolated communities. This blend should provide an interesting test bed in a couple of years time.
The idea of having electric planes in remote Scottish communities has tweaked the interest of national provider Royal Mail too. Robbie Boyle writing for BBC Scotland News in Aberdeen, denies that this is in reaction to rising fuel prices.
In fact, the project has been ongoing for five years, with the overall mission to use battery electricity instead of burning fossil fuels. Besides, the gap between the two energies is narrowing, with significant cost implications going forward.
When May Communities Expect the Service?
The commercial service should come on line within the next couple of years. Future customers can look forward to a flying range of 100 miles, This should suffice to link Aberdeen to the Highlands and Islands.
Do you suppose this electric aircraft could be more reliable than some other aircraft flying the area? Consumers are still cautious about relying on the new technology, but the evidence is growing that it is safe.
More Information:
Battery Electric Aircraft – Elysian’s Vision
Could Hybrid Aircraft Be the Next Step?