Germany's first Explorer operator combines electric and conventional Pipistrel aircraft to support student progression
Ajdovščina, Slovenia, (Sept. 23, 2026) – Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., today announced the delivery of two Pipistrel Explorer aircraft to TFC Flight Training, making the flight school the first Explorer operator in Germany. The delivery expands Pipistrel’s relationship with TFC and demonstrates how flight schools are building complementary fleets to support students across multiples stages of pilot development.
Based in Essen, Germany, TFC Käufer is one of Germanys largest approved flight training organizations and has been training pilots for 45 years. Their existing fleet includes four Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft and seven Cessna 152 aircraft. Adding the Pipistrel Explorer, TFC aligns aircraft capabilities with different phases of instruction, creating a more connected pathway as students' progress into cross-country flying, day and night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) training and spin recovery training. The combination also gives TFC greater flexibility to match aircraft utilization with specific training requirements.
“The Pipistrel Explorer is an additional step on our continuous journey to more modern and sustainable pilot training,” said Christian Käufer, CEO, TFC Flight Training. “The Pipistrel Explorer fits seamlessly into our broader strategy at TFC: modern flight training, responsible use of resources and a strong focus on safety and quality.”
Flight schools are increasingly evaluating how a combination of purpose-built aircraft can support student progression, operational efficiency and exposure to different technologies. TFC’s adoption of both electrically and conventionally powered Pipistrel aircraft provides students with experience across complementary platforms while allowing the school to support a broader range of training missions. With modern avionics, operational flexibility and strong operating economics, the aircraft helps TFC deliver a comprehensive and competitive training experience.
"In today's training environment, flight schools need aircraft that can support diverse mission requirements while providing students with exposure to modern aviation technology," said Chris Crow, vice president of sales, Pipistrel. "TFC Flight Training's adoption of the Explorer demonstrates how training organizations are building integrated fleets that support a wider range of student development needs while preparing the next generation of pilots. We are pleased to support TFC as it becomes Germany's first Explorer operator."
The Explorer combines the durability and performance required for flight-school operations with modern cockpit technologies. Its capabilities include cross-country flying, day and night VFR operations and intentional spin training. A dual Garmin G3X glass cockpit, haptic stall warning system, ballistic parachute and AT-1 traffic transponder provide students and instructors with tools that support situational awareness and effective training.
As Germany’s first Explorer operator, TFC provides a new example of how flight schools can structure their fleets around the progression of the student rather than relying on one platform for every training requirement. The delivery also advances Pipistrel’s role in providing flight schools with complementary aircraft solutions designed to support pilot development from foundational instruction through more advanced training.
About the Pipistrel Explorer
The Pipistrel Explorer combines efficient performance with advanced technology, making it a versatile platform for flight training and recreational flying. Designed to help pilots build experience from the earliest stages of flight training, the aircraft offers durability, strong performance and modern avionics. In 2017, the Explorer received certification from Germany's Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), the country's Federal Office of Civil Aviation.
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About Pipistrel
Headquartered in Ajdovščina, Slovenia, Pipistrel, an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is focused on electric, hybrid-electric and conventionally powered aircraft solutions. Pipistrel acts with agility to create innovative solutions for a multitude of demographics, including training, commercial and defense. The Velis Electro, the world’s first and currently only electric aircraft with full-type certification, and the Alpha Trainer are a foundation for flight schools and pilot training. Pipistrel is transforming aviation by pushing the boundaries of technology to create mobility solutions that positively impact the future of flight.
About Textron Aviation Inc.
We have been inspiring the journey of flight for nearly 100 years. Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna, Hawker and Pipistrel brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, light and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense aircraft, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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