11 September 2018
The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) is to help develop the world’s first electric aircraft race, due to take place in 2020.
The LAA will work with the Formula Air Racing Association (FARA) and the organiser of the race, Air Race E, to produce technical regulations and support the design and build of new formula electric aircraft.
“Electric-powered aviation is going to become ever-more important in the future, ” said Steve Slater, CEO of the LAA.
“Many innovations that we will see years from now will trace their roots back to the Air Race E platform.”
Steve is pictured left in the above photo, with Jeff Zaltman of Air Race E at the LAA Rally earlier this month. Photo: Neil Wilson.
“It is important that we have a clearly defined safety-first approach to the rules and designs in electric air racing,” continued Steve. “We will work with Air Race E and the manufacturers and the pilots to make sure this innovative series runs smoothly.”
Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race E, said, “This is a huge contribution in the development of Air Race E and we are grateful to the LAA for their continued support.
“They have been a fantastic supporter of formula one air racing in the past and long may that continue.
“Safety is paramount in everything that we do and the LAA will help us preserve safety standards and best practices as we forge new territory, working also with our corporate partners as well as the sports associations and the civil aviation authorities.
“Air Race E has secured all the key components to make this vision a reality: the aircraft, the race pilots, the engineers, the sports associations, a test centre in Europe and the racing heritage and expertise that is unrivalled in the world.
“Air Race E will become the unifying body that will drive the development and promotion of cleaner and faster electric aircraft.”
