Electric Planes Are About to Take Off in Texas

Texas' first electric aircraft test flights are set to begin this week at Galveston's Scholes Field International Airport, marking a major step toward electric aviation in the state. The test program will involve flights to Sugar Land and Brenham and is expected to continue through early September as officials evaluate the new technology.

According to KHOU, Galveston’s Scholes Field International Airport stays busy with aircraft and helicopters taking off and landing on a regular basis. It was just over a year ago that the Galveston airport installed an electric airplane charger. This machine was the first of its kind in Texas. While the charger could be used for vehicles, its primary focus is for electric aircraft.

Texas Is About to Test Electric Planes

In the past, helicopters and planes have traditionally relied on aviation fuel. But as of this week, Scholes Field will be the home to test flights for at least one of Beta Technologies' electric planes. The test flights are nearly three years in the making.

The airport director, Mike Shahan said one fully charged aircraft can travel up to 300 miles. The first flights in these electric planes will be to evaluate the aircraft and work out any issues with destinations set on Sugar Land and Brenham.

READ MORE: Is It Legal to Fly a Drone Over Private Property in Texas?

How Long Will the Electric Plane Testing Last?

The test program will kick off this week and continue for the next few weeks through the beginning of September. Shahan hopes the tests could lead to a full-time electric plane at Scholes Field International Airport within the next five years.

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Would You Fly on an Electric Plane?

Would you feel comfortable getting into one of these new electric planes? Or would you prefer the fuel-powered airplanes we are used to being a passenger in after all these years? Let me know your thoughts. You can email me at billy.jenkins@townsquaremedia.com.