A LOOK-BACK IN PICTURES AT THE FIRST EDITION OF EFLY , WHICH TOOK PLACE FROM 4th TO 8TH OCTOBER 2021, IN SAINT-AUBAN.

A week dedicated to innovative solutions for a greener and more integrated leisure aviation, as proven by the FES (Front Electric Sustainer). We would like to extend our thanks to the constructors who were present in Saint-Auban, Schempp Hirth, Schleicher, Aura Aéro, Pipistrel, Lak and DG Flugzeugbau, as well as to all the visitors.

On Tuesday, 5th October, Frédéric Busin, the Director of EDF South Region and his team, accompanied by Anne-Sophie Cochelin, Nadège Tissier and Martin Leÿs, the Director of EDF New Aquitaine, came to visit the FFVP on the occasion of the first edition of eFLY in Saint-Auban.

The programme included a prospective reflection on the transformation of the CNVV into a sustainable and decarbonated airfield, flights with the electric airplance VELIS 128, the presentation of the Front Electric Sustainer system, which equipped the gliders shown during the meeting. The FFVP is fully committed to sustainable development.

The French Air Force honoured us with a visit to the eFLY and tested the FES technology on the DG-1001e neo and the Discus 2C FES. The glider is a perfect training aid. It is one of the first stages of a pilot’s military training when they learn to fly without a motor in Salon, Saintes or Romorantin.

Focus on the FES (Front Electric Sustainer), with which the gliders present at this first eFLY are equipped. In just one turn of a potentionmeter, the system launches a ‘moustache’ propeller powered by a small electric motor in the nose of the glider, making it possible to return to the airfield when all lift has gone. A simple, effective and silent safety tool!

Jérémy Caussade and Wilfried Dufaud, co-founders of Aura Aéro, a constructor based in Toulouse, are currently working on the development of an electric towplane on an Integral airframe that will make its first flights in the summer of 2022. Ease of piloting, well adapted to towing requirements, rapid recharging, Aura Aéro’s programme is ambitious and responds to the environmental challenges that lie ahead. The FFVP will follow and support the progress of this innovative project.