FAA Greenlights Bye Aerospace eFlyer 2 for Flight Testing

In a significant milestone for electric aviation, Bye Aerospace has been granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This official authorization paves the way for the all-electric eFlyer 2 trainer to commence flight testing. The certification is the result of a thorough FAA inspection at Centennial Airport near Denver, Colorado, where the aircraft’s airframe, electric propulsion system, instruments, and all functional systems underwent rigorous review.

The eFlyer 2, a two-seat training aircraft, is powered by a Safran ENGINeUS electric motor. It boasts an all-composite airframe and Garmin avionics. Bye Aerospace asserts that the aircraft operates at up to 80% less cost than traditional trainers, recharges in under 30 minutes, and produces zero emissions. This presents an attractive proposition for flight schools grappling with escalating fuel costs. The structural build of the eFlyer 2 was finalized in July 2026, after stringent load testing of the wing, fuselage, and flight controls.

Bye Aerospace is currently carrying out final inspections and operational readiness checks. This will be followed by a phased flight-test program designed to gradually expand the aircraft’s envelope. The company reports that it has orders and letters of intent for approximately 1,100 aircraft spanning four continents, indicating a robust global demand for affordable, sustainable pilot training platforms.

Source: Flyer Magazine – Bye’s eFlyer 2 Cleared to Start Flight Testing (September 15, 2026)