Pipistrel Aircraft
4 used Pipistrel aircraft listings · $311,700–$311,700 · last refreshed 38 min ago
About Pipistrel Aircraft Company
Pipistrel (now Textron eAviation), headquartered in Ajdovscina, Slovenia, is a pioneering manufacturer of ultra-efficient, electric, and hybrid-electric aircraft. Founded by Ivo Boscarol in 1989, Pipistrel has delivered over 2,500 aircraft and won multiple NASA and Lindbergh prizes for fuel efficiency and electric propulsion. Textron acquired Pipistrel in April 2022 for $237M, making it part of the same family as Cessna and Beechcraft. Pipistrel is at the forefront of the electric aviation revolution while continuing to produce practical, certified light aircraft. If you are looking for a Pipistrel aircraft for sale, you are considering some of the most fuel-efficient certified aircraft ever produced.
The Virus SW 121 is Pipistrel's certified flagship — an all-composite, two-seat low-wing monoplane powered by a Rotax 912 S3 (100 HP). It cruises at 135 KTAS on just 4.8 GPH, giving it a fuel efficiency that no other certified aircraft can match. The Virus achieves this through exceptional aerodynamic design — laminar flow wings, retractable main gear, and a drag coefficient lower than most gliders. The Sinus motorglider (with a Rotax 912 ULS) offers powered soaring capability with a 28:1 glide ratio. The Alpha Trainer is Pipistrel's ab-initio training aircraft, competing with the Tecnam P2008 and Cessna 152 replacement market.
The Velis Electro (formerly Alpha Electro) is the world's first type-certified electric aircraft — powered by Pipistrel's own E-811 electric motor (57.6 kW continuous) with a 50-minute flight endurance plus reserves. It is designed specifically for flight training and has been adopted by flight schools in Europe. The Panthera, announced as a four-seat, 200+ KTAS aircraft available in combustion, hybrid, and full-electric variants, represents Pipistrel's vision of the future.
Used Pipistrel prices are moderate given their niche market position. Virus SW 121 models trade at $120,000-$200,000. Sinus motorgliders range from $80,000-$160,000. Alpha Trainers from $80,000-$130,000. Key considerations for buyers: Rotax 912 maintenance is well-understood but requires Rotax-trained technicians, composite airframe repair requires specialist knowledge, and the Pipistrel service network in North America is still developing (European coverage is better). Operating costs are remarkably low — the Virus burns under 5 GPH at cruise, making it the cheapest certified aircraft to fly per hour. Insurance costs may be higher due to unfamiliarity from underwriters. The Textron acquisition should improve parts availability and service network expansion over the coming years.
Pipistrel Aircraft for Sale
Price $311,700–$311,700
Pipistrel Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a Pipistrel aircraft cost? Current pricing for used Pipistrel aircraft (also known as Pipistrel choppers or Pipistrel helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gliders | $311,700–$311,700 | — | — | — | 4 |
The cost of a Pipistrel aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
Pipistrel Models
Pipistrel Models — Specifications
Model specFrequently Asked Questions — Pipistrel
Is the Pipistrel Velis Electro the first certified electric airplane?
Yes. The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world first type-certified fully electric aircraft, receiving EASA CS-LSA certification in June 2020. It is approved for pilot training in Day VFR operations in 30+ countries. The electric motor produces 76hp, cruising at 90 knots with up to 50 minutes endurance plus 10 minutes VFR reserve. A 40-minute training flight costs just $2-3 in electricity vs $45 in avgas for a Cessna 172. The aircraft produces only 60 dBa of noise — nearly silent compared to conventional trainers.
How long can the Pipistrel Velis Electro fly?
The Velis Electro has approximately 50 minutes of flight time plus a 10-minute VFR reserve — designed for pattern work, local training flights, and touch-and-go practice rather than cross-country travel. Battery recharge takes 2 hours from 30% to 100%. This limited endurance means the Velis Electro supplements rather than replaces conventional trainers in most flight schools. However, for the roughly 70% of training flights that are local traffic pattern work, the Velis Electro is perfectly adequate and dramatically cheaper to operate.
Is Pipistrel now part of Textron?
Yes. Textron Aviation (parent company of Cessna and Beechcraft) acquired Pipistrel in April 2022. Pipistrel continues to operate as a distinct brand from its headquarters in Ajdovscina, Slovenia, but benefits from Textron resources for global distribution, certification support, and R&D investment. This acquisition gives Textron a foothold in electric aviation while Pipistrel gains access to the world largest general aviation sales and support network. Future Pipistrel models will likely benefit from accelerated development and certification timelines.
What is the future of electric aircraft?
The global electric aircraft market is expected to quadruple by 2030, reaching nearly $40 billion. Current limitations are battery energy density — the Velis Electro flies only 50 minutes, compared to 4+ hours for conventional trainers. Pipistrel is developing a four-seat electric aircraft with 200-mile range. As battery technology improves (solid-state batteries are promising), electric aircraft will expand from trainers to short-haul commercial routes. Within 5-10 years, pilots may complete primary training entirely without burning fossil fuel. Pipistrel/Textron is positioned to lead this transition.
Pipistrel Inventory by Country
| United States | 42 |
| Canada | 5 |
| Poland | 5 |
| Hungary | 3 |
| France | 3 |
| Switzerland | 3 |
Recently Sold Pipistrel
| 2018 Alpha Trainer | $130,000 |
| 2024 Alpha Trainer | $150,000 |