Bye Aerospace completes first flight of eFlyer 2 electric aircraft

Bye Aerospace has successfully completed the first flight of its eFlyer 2, an all-electric two-seat trainer aircraft. The flight took place on September 17 at Centennial Airport near Denver, Colorado, following the receipt of a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA. Chief Test Pilot Elliot Seguin piloted the aircraft through a test profile that included a single left-turn circuit, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 2,210 meters above sea level and a speed of 135 knots.

The eFlyer 2 is designed to target the flight training market by significantly reducing economic barriers. The company claims the electric propulsion system can lower operating costs by up to 80 percent compared to traditional aircraft like the Cessna 172, while also eliminating in-flight emissions. The aircraft utilizes a Safran Electrical and Power engine and Samson batteries developed by magniX.

This flight marks the beginning of a testing campaign intended to support FAA type certification. Bye Aerospace currently holds an order book of 1,124 aircraft for its eFlyer series, with approximately 40 percent covered by non-refundable deposits. The company aims to begin production in 2027, with initial deliveries expected between late 2027 and the first half of 2028.