15/04/2026
A UK first ✈️⚡
At just 20, Heather Anselm has made UK aviation history—becoming the first student pilot in the UK to go from zero to first solo powered entirely by zero-emission flight.
Training at Moray Flying Club, based on RAF Lossiemouth — one of the UK’s busiest frontline fast-jet stations—her achievement marks a breakthrough moment for the future of flight.
Set against the backdrop of RAF Lossiemouth—one of the UK’s busiest frontline fast-jet stations—her achievement marks a defining moment for zero-emission flight training.
At just 20 years old, and training with Moray Flying Club—part of the Royal Air Force Sports Association (RAFSA)—based at RAF Lossiemouth, she achieved this milestone flying exclusively in the
Pipistrel Aircraft Velis Electro, the world’s first certified electric training aircraft. Her journey to this point reflects a different pace of training.
In March 2023, Stuart Anselm, Engineering and Fleet Upgrade Director for Moray Flying Club, and NEBOair Director Kerry Wilmot began discussions that would ultimately bring the Pipistrel Velis
Electro into the club’s fleet at RAF Lossiemouth.
By 7 November 2023, that work became a reality. The aircraft arrived at the station, marking a significant step forward for the club. Just days later, on 12 November, it sat on the tarmac at one
of the RAF’s most operationally active bases—an early but powerful sign of change, as Typhoons surged into the sky above it.
It was here that Heather first encountered the aircraft that would define her training.
A Unique Environment to Learn to Fly - RAF Lossiemouth is no ordinary airfield. It is not just home to Typhoon fast jets, but also the UK’s P-8 Poseidon fleet, with the E-7 Wedgetail soon to join them—bringing together multiple generations of air power on a single station. As a frontline fast-jet station on the Moray coast, it operates at the sharp end of UK air defence, with aircraft and crews maintaining constant readiness.
For a student pilot, it is both an inspiring and demanding place to learn. The coastal environment brings rapidly changing weather, strong winds, and conditions that often test consistency and patience. Progress here is never straightforward—it is earned over time.
A Life Built Around Aviation - A student at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Heather has built her life around
aviation. She works as a Wildlife Control Officer at RAF Lossiemouth and Inverness Airport, helping to maintain safe operating environments for aircraft, while also working as an Executive Lounge Agent at Inverness Airport.
A former RAF Air Cadet until recently aging out at 20, her ambition to fly has developed alongside hands-on experience across the aviation environment.
The First Flight - On 4 March 2024, Heather took her first flight in the Velis Electro. In the right-hand seat was Angus Lilly.
A highly experienced Flight Instructor and RAF officer, he was part of the team of test pilots involved in the RAF’s Sustainable Aviation Pathfinder programme, where the Velis Electro was evaluated through a three-phase trial. His involvement in those early assessments makes him one of the most experienced operators of the aircraft in the UK—and for Heather, it was the perfect
introduction.
Progress, Patience, and Perspective - Heather went on to accumulate just over 14 hours of dual instruction in the Velis Electro. Her progress reflects the realities of training in both a new type of aircraft and a busy operational environment. Electric aircraft bring a different training dynamic. Shorter sortie durations mean that a notable portion of each lesson can be spent taxiing and positioning across a large, fast-jet airfield.
Significant work was also required to integrate electric flight safely into an operational RAF base. This included ensuring suitable diversion airfields were always available within the
aircraft’s limited endurance, and planning for scenarios where fast jets could be scrambled at short notice—requiring immediate airspace priority and contingency planning. As these operational
considerations were progressively resolved.
Alongside this, her training has taken place around university commitments, academic workload, weather delays, and airfield operating restrictions—all contributing to a measured and realistic
pace of progression. There were moments where she came close to solo in 2025—only for operations to be paused the week
before. Rather than changing course, she chose to wait, determined to complete her journey to solo entirely through zero-emission flight. Once flying commenced again Heather’s training began to
accelerate, with momentum building through the winter of 2025 and into the spring of 2026, making
this milestone achievable.
Proof, Not Concept - Heather’s achievement goes beyond a single milestone. Her experience reflects the pace of training, the environment at RAF Lossiemouth, and the realities
of flying the Velis Electro—offering a clear view of a training pathway that is still relatively new.
But more importantly, it demonstrates something definitive: Sustainable pilot training is not a concept—it is a capability. And Heather is proof of that.
Looking ahead - Heather’s journey does not stop at first solo. Her training will now continue toward the NPPL, building on the foundation she has established entirely through electric flight.
Next comes solo consolidation, followed by navigational training—opening the door to land-away flights, including Inverness.
And perhaps, in time, something more routine: flying to work, charging, and flying home again. A quiet glimpse of what everyday electric aviation could look like.
For NEBOair - we are incredibly proud to have supported Heather’s achievement, and will continue working with RAFSA, flying schools, clubs and operators across the UK to show that Decarbonising Pilot Training is not just an ambition — it is already a proven capability.
