Pipistrel Alpha Trainer

Alpha Trainer
Pipistrel Alpha in flight
Role Light-sport aircraft
National origin Slovenia
Manufacturer Pipistrel
First flight 2012
Status In production
Produced May 2012 – present
Number built 500+[1]
Developed from Pipistrel Virus

The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer is a Slovenian two-seat, single-engine light-sport aircraft intended specifically for flight training, designed and produced by Pipistrel in Gorizia, Italy.[2][3]

The Alpha was announced at the end of 2011 and production started in 2012.[4] Based on the design of the Pipistrel Virus, it is intended to be a low-cost solution for LSA flight training both in the acquisition and operating costs, while still including a full airframe emergency recovery parachute system as standard equipment.

The electric version of the Alpha Trainer was announced in 2015, and as of January 2020, it remained the only commercially available electric airplane in the world, with the exception of electric motorgliders.[5]

  1. ^ "Pipistrel Alpha Trainer Description". Pipistrel Aircraft. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  2. ^ Grady, Mary (30 November 2011). "Pipistrel Promises $83K LSA Trainer". AVweb. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  3. ^ Grady, Mary (14 May 2012). "Pipistrel Alpha LSA Trainer Ready To Fly For $85K". AVweb. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  4. ^ Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015–16, page 73. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  5. ^ Bertorelli, Paul (8 January 2020). "Alpha Electro: One Fish, Small Pond". AvWeb. Retrieved 24 April 2020.