AEAC CEO George Bye Says Sun Flyer Incorporates Everything Pilots Love About A Cessna 172

At a news conference introducing the Sun Flyer electric trainer, Aero Electric Aircraft Corporation (AEAC) CEO George Bye made a bold statement: "We think we are looking at the future of aviation," Bye said.

Bye referred to Boeing's estimate  that  533,000 commercial pilots will be needed by 2033, and that with the current training fleet being 40 years old something has to change. Bye noted the high cost of flying, the high demand for new pilots, that we need an answer to these problems, and then asked “what is the solution and how do we get it.”

Bye noted the future may be here and sooner than we think. In fact, he said it will occur in the next 5 to 10 years, and he sees the demand for electric aircraft growing rapidly. Bye noted one of AEAC's goals is to take all the things pilots love about a Cessna 172 and incorporate them in their trainer.

Bye said the company is also working with their flight schools partners to incorporate such things as a  46" wide cabin and easy entry and egress. In the future, he said, electrical aircraft will come in for 4 place "and beyond.”

Bye also announced that AEAC had recently signed an agreement with the Aero Touring Club de France based at Toussus le Noble, France to purchase Sun Flyers for their Club. This club, with it's remarkable history dating back to 1908, truly values what Sun Flyer brings to the table in terms of low operating cost and low noise signature. In terms of cost to FBOs and the Club de France, AEAC is projecting training mission energy cost of $1 per hour, plus another $7 to $8 / hour for inspections. If you then add the equivalent fuel markup to this number the total will be an operating cost of $11 / hour for the Sun Flyer.

Bye said a proof of concept aircraft that will be built by Arion Aircraft will hopefully fly at Oshkosh 2016. This 85% solution, non-conforming demonstrator will have a shorter wingspan than the conforming prototype throughout it's flight test program. Construction of the proof of concept aircraft is underway, and should be complete in the August-September time-frame. AEAC will then proceed with static ground test, taxi test, and the first flight before the end of 2015 as they move forward with this technologically innovative aircraft.

On the the technology side, Bye discussed the various aspects of the Sun Flyer's e-drive train. Bye noted the motor is less than 40 lbs. and is the size of a "stack of pancakes". The batteries will be 5 packs approximately 60 lbs. each, depending if you include the connectors in that weight. These batteries are manufactured by Panasonic and are the same batteries that are used in the Tesla automobiles. With all the research and development in battery technology that is occurring in the electric automotive industry Bye noted that battery energy density in the last year alone have increased but 10% to 275 watt hrs / Kg.  Recharging time, Bye said, depends on the charging cycle selected by the user. With that in mind, Team Sun Flyer will opt for a more conservative 1 hour charge for one hour of flight.  Battery cycle time/life for the Sun Flyer will be 2000 cycles.  Each cell have a cycle monitor, and the pack will have a monitoring system that records cycle time as well. In addition to the battery monitoring, The aircraft design has been optimized for a quick battery swap should that be needed.

Two other technologies that will be employed to increase the the  Sun Flyer range are a Regenerative Propeller (in descent mode) and photovoltaic solar cells mounted on the wing. Each of these technologies can add 15% respectively to their range of the Sun Flyer and  for a total of 30% on top of its projected max endurance range of 2.75 hours.

Bye said certification for Sun Flyer is planned under FAR 21. While the average pilot may not be familiar with certification requirements of FAR 21 (Advisory Circular 21.17-2A) Bye said  that the Sun Flyer would be standard category, day - night VFR with a target gross weight of  less than 1700 pounds. Aero Electric is currently working in cooperation with the FAA in regards to certification.

Aero Electric's  COO Charlie Johnson said in his 40 years in the industry he has never had a better working relationship with the FAA, and Bye wanted to acknowledge his gratitude to the agency.

FMI: www.aeac.aero/