Initial build has begun for Bye Aerospace eFlyer 2 fixed-wing aircraft

Bye Aerospace (Denver, Colo., U.S.) has officially launched the construction of its all-electric aircraft, the eFlyer 2. This project aims to fabricate and assemble an all-composite structure, validate approved design plans and establish innovative production processes. The outcome will be a full-scale aircraft that will undergo extensive aerodynamic testing, derisking the remaining certification compliance tasks. This milestone aircraft, Serial Number 00001, is being assembled at Bye Aerospace's facilities at Centennial Airport, located in Denver, Colorado.

According to the company, the eFlyer 2 is specifically engineered to meet the demands of the aviation training market, with a clean-sheet design that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency and incorporates lightweight composites. The aircraft is expected to reduce operating costs by up to 80% and cut maintenance requirements by up to 75%, while offering quiet, sustainable aviation — making it an ideal choice for flight schools and surrounding communities.

“The commencement of the eFlyer 2 build marks a historic moment for our company and the aviation industry as a whole,” notes Rod Zastrow, CEO of Bye Aerospace. “This clean-sheet design allows us to deliver an aircraft that not only meets but exceeds the performance and efficiency expectations of our aviation clients.”

It was announced in February 2023 that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the electric aircraft as eligible for certification under Part 23, enabling the Denver-based OEM to start certification testing. In addition, in September 2023, the FAA accepted the Functional Hazard Analysis for the eFlyer 2.