Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, based in Denver, Colorado, has signed an agreement with Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. to buy 20 electric-powered two-seat trainer aircraft. The college has reserved the first delivery positions for the Sun Flyer airplane, which is still in development. “This agreement signifies our commitment to innovation and to serving the next generation of pilots,” said Peter Harris, CEO of Spartan College. The electric airplanes, Harris said, “will make flight training more modern, accessible and economical than ever before.” George Bye, CEO of AEAC, says the Sun Flyer will be cheaper to operate than conventional trainer aircraft.
The company brought its single-seat technology demonstrator, Elektra One, to Redbird’s training conference, in Texas, last October. Bye said the final version of the two-seat, FAA-certified aircraft will cost as little as $5 an hour to operate, including battery replacement costs. AEAC is now working on initial R&D flight-test operations at Centennial Airport near Denver. Flight tests will continue while the first two-seat prototype Sun Flyer is being assembled, the company said.
AVweb’s Rick Durden checked out the Elektra One at EAA AirVenture last summer.
