Ten-year-old Australian girl Amy Spicer is making waves in the aviation sector as possibly the world’s youngest pilot of an all-electric aircraft. Amy, who expressed her desire to fly at the age of 2-and-a-half, recently took a flying lesson in a Pipistrel Alpha Electro, an all-electric two-seater training aircraft, at Jandakot Airport in Perth, Western Australia. Despite the limited availability of charging points at airports in Australia, Amy is proud to contribute to the future of aviation by reducing carbon emissions through electric flight.
FlyOnE, the operator of the Pipistrel Electric, is campaigning for emissions-free flight in Australia. Founder Korum Ellis highlights the current modest range of electric aircraft but emphasizes their usability for pilot training, with advancements expected in second and third-generation electric planes. Amy’s family moved to Western Australia to facilitate her attendance at a school offering flying lessons.
Western Australia aims to become an electric aviation hub, with three airports already equipped with charging points. Aviair, based in Kununurra, plans to introduce electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft for tourism in 2025. Amy, a speaker at this year’s Women In Aviation Summit in California, has been invited to visit Aviair’s operations, marking the next step for the young pioneer. Despite facing criticism from peers in grade 4, Amy emphasizes that one can legally fly a plane before obtaining a driver’s licence. Her journey exemplifies a commitment to sustainable aviation and a promising future in the field.