What is the SEP revalidation?
The SEP revalidation (Single Engine Piston) is a mandatory procedure for any pilot holding a single-engine piston aircraft rating. It allows this rating to remain valid every 2 years, either by:
- accumulating at least 12 flight hours on SEP aircraft during the past 12 months,
- or completing a course with an instructor or examiner (FI or FE) with a minimum duration of one hour.
This renewal can be done by experience, but until recently all aircraft used had to be thermal. This is where the novelty comes in.
Electric aircraft are now eligible
Until now, an SEP (“single-engine piston”) was strictly defined as a single-engine piston aircraft. Since August 2024, a new European regulation officially authorizes SEP revalidation on electric aircraft such as the Velis Electro, a 100% electric aircraft certified CS-LSA.
Regulation (EU) 2024/2076 specifies that the SEP category now also covers certified electric and hybrid engines under Regulation (EU) 748/2012.
The DGAC has also issued a document integrating the Velis Electro into the so-called “SEP” aircraft: 2024_08 Regulation Note 2024_2076
However, note that if you have not flown for 2 years on an electric aircraft, a refresher is required. This can be done by completing a differences training (electric variant), a proficiency check, or a check flight. You will find the details of this information in the document cited below.
What does this change for pilots?
Pilots, thanks to this evolution, you can now:
- Use the Velis Electro to perform your revalidation flight with an instructor
- Count the flight hours carried out on electric aircraft towards your SEP experience requirements
- Optimize your revalidation costs and have an aircraft available 98% of the time!
Velis Electro, a logical choice for training and leisure flights
The Velis Electro is not only an ecological aircraft: it is a tool perfectly suited to pilots’ needs:
- Quiet in flight: concentration and comfort
- Autonomy adapted to local flights: 50 minutes + reserve (The average flight time of a licensed pilot per flight is 45 minutes)
- Zero local emissions: ideal for peri-urban airfields
- Reduced maintenance and operating costs (a recharge costs less than €10)
The electric / thermal complementarity
At Green Aerolease, we offer a fleet designed for all the needs of flying clubs and flight schools:
- Velis Electro: for initiation, local flights, cost-effective SEP revalidation
- Velis Club: high-performance thermal aircraft, suitable for navigation flights
- Explorer: night VFR approved, perfect for pilots wishing to make longer trips
- DR400 Rotax: famous French aircraft refurbished and retrofitted with Rotax
- B23: modern and spacious aircraft, ideal for advanced training
- Elixir: French aircraft designed to maximize safety and performance
This approach allows you to control costs, reduce nuisances, and offer a consistent experience for both students and experienced pilots.
Pilots, what are you waiting for to switch to electric?
SEP revalidation on an electric aircraft is now a reality. Thanks to regulatory evolution, pilots can renew or maintain their license on a clean, quiet, and economical aircraft like the Velis Electro. This is a major step forward for light aviation, which is part of the modernization of the French fleet.
For flying clubs and schools, it is an opportunity to showcase an innovative fleet while optimizing costs and availability. For pilots, it is a simple and accessible way to stay qualified while discovering the advantages of electric flight.
And what if you too switched to electric? The electric variant requires only 2h40 of practical training and a theoretical course delivered by a qualified instructor.