14-year-olds can learn to fly electric aircraft

The aircraft is already licensed internationally after flight tests in the UAE, US and Germany. It is completely safe, with zero CO2 emissions and minimum noise.”

Lahej Saif Al Falasi, chairman, Academy of Technical Training

abu dhabi — From October, individuals as young as 14 can sign up for a licence to fly an electric aircraft, state news agency Wam has reported. Anyone living in the UAE can lease and fly the aircraft, “provided that they receive proper training” as per the Academy of Technical Training (ATT) standards.

The licence will be issued after they pass a flight training period at the Flight Club in Ghantoot. According to Lahej Saif Al Falasi, chairman of the ATT, an electric aircraft with a Slovenian made airframe will be used in both training and flying operations.

“The aircraft, including the batteries and engines, is entirely assembled in the UAE by Emirati hands,” said Al Falasi. The ecofriendly aircraft goes by the name Alpha Electro and it is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The Dh400,000 aircraft can fly over 13,000 feet for 90 minutes, using two lithium batteries. One of the batteries is equipped to provide additional power for 30 minutes in case of emergency. The aircraft can reach a cruising speed of 180kmph. The aircraft employs a “regenerative braking technique”, which allows for “smooth take-off and landings”, especially in short fields. Al Falasi said Alpha Electro will create a “game-changing impact” in the aviation industry, noting that the aircraft is already licensed internationally after flight tests in the UAE, the US and Germany. “The aircraft is completely safe, with zero CO2 emissions and minimum noise,” said Al Falasi.