Bye Aerospace has put its eFlyer 2 into the air for the first time, opening the flight-test campaign for an all-electric aircraft aimed at U.S. pilot training. The Colorado-based company says the aircraft could cut operating costs by as much as 80 percent while producing no in-flight emissions.

Chief Test Pilot Elliot Seguin flew the aircraft through its planned test profile from Centennial Airport near Denver. Engineers used the flight to gather early data on handling, aerodynamics, and propulsion performance.

The first flight now gives Bye Aerospace a working aircraft for the next stage of development. It also moves the eFlyer 2 closer to FAA certification and eventual customer deliveries.

The eFlyer 2 pairs an electric propulsion system with a lightweight composite airframe. Its design targets the economics of flight training, where fuel and maintenance can make every flight expensive.

Bye Aerospace says the aircraft can reduce operating costs by up to 80 percent. That figure could become important for U.S. flight schools facing high training costs and pressure to keep aircraft flying. The aircraft also removes combustion emissions during flight. Its electric architecture could help operators reduce their exposure to volatile aviation fuel prices.

Rod Zastrow, CEO of Bye Aerospace, said the first flight delivered strong results across several areas. “The first flight of eFlyer 2 exceeded all our expectations,” Zastrow said. He cited the aircraft’s aerodynamics, handling, and propulsion performance. The flight also recorded no maintenance discrepancies, according to the company.

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