FEATURES 60 January 2024 The Pipistrel Velis Electro on the Textron Aviation Employees' Flying Club ramp at Beech Factory Airport (BEC). Photography by Chris Rose Ike's Bird Flying the Aero Commander L-26B, the smallest Air Force One. By Barry Schiff Page 50 Plug and Play Can this little trainer bridge the gap from marvel to mainstream? By Sarah Deener Page 60 Show Off Standing (upside down) on top of the world. By Julie Summers Walker Page 68 California Dreaming Exploring El Camino Real by air. By Alicia Herron Page 76 AOPA PILOT / January 2024 VOL. 67 / NO. 1 1