The eFlyer 2, a two-seat electric aircraft developed by Bye Aerospace, completed its inaugural test flight on September 17, 2026. The prototype took off from Centennial Airport near Denver, Colorado, under the control of chief test pilot Elliot Seguin. According to flight tracking data cited by Aviation International News, the duration of the test was approximately five minutes.
During this period, the aircraft ascended north of the airport, completed a circuit, and returned to land.
This initial flight serves as the beginning of a progressive testing campaign rather than a demonstration of maximum range or performance. The primary objective is to verify that behaviors observed in simulations and ground tests function correctly in actual flight conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration granted a special airworthiness certificate shortly before this event, authorizing the prototype to begin these trials.
Future phases of the campaign will focus on aerodynamic behavior, system performance, and flight qualities, gradually expanding the operational envelope.
The eFlyer 2 is designed specifically for flight training schools, featuring a side-by-side seating configuration and a lightweight composite structure. Unlike conventional aircraft converted to electric power, this model was developed around an electric architecture from the outset. The propulsion system utilizes the ENGINeUS 100B1 electric motor from Safran Electrical & Power, which has received European certification for its motor family, while U.S. validation continues.
Energy is supplied by battery modules from magniX, with a Sensenich propeller and Garmin G500 TXi avionics.
Manufacturer specifications list a power output of 125 kW and an energy capacity of approximately 90 kWh. Bye Aerospace projects a mission duration of over two hours and recharge times of less than 30 minutes. The company claims operational costs could be reduced by up to 80 percent compared to traditional training aircraft.
