CheckSix AeroSolutions, a US provider of aviation maintenance and flight support services, has signed an LOI for the purchase of four eFlyer 2 and two eFlyer 4 aircraft from electric aircraft developer Bye Aerospace. The aircraft will be introduced to professional pilot training programmes and flight schools in the Pacific Northwest for initial trial and evaluation to determine a transition path to electric aircraft for these programmes and schools.

This initiative aims to explore the transition to electric aircraft within flight training programmes, as these schools assess the benefits of adopting sustainable aviation solutions. Although formal agreements with specific flight schools have not yet been finalised, CheckSix AeroSolutions is working closely with regional pilot training centres to evaluate the eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 for their performance, capabilities and operating costs.

The aviation industry is currently facing a significant pilot shortage, with many flight schools struggling to meet the demand for trained pilots. CheckSix AeroSolutions' purchase of the eFlyer aircraft will play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. With significantly lower operating costs compared to traditional gas-powered aircraft, the eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 will help reduce the cost of pilot training hours, making flight school programmes more affordable and accessible for aspiring pilots.

“We are excited to bring these electric aircraft into the Pacific Northwest,” says Kyle Skalisky, president and CEO of CheckSix AeroSolutions. “The transition to sustainable, carbon-free aviation is vital to the future of the industry, and we're proud to partner with Bye Aerospace in advancing this cause. The eFlyer aircraft will not only reduce carbon emissions but also significantly lower the operating costs of flight training, ultimately making aviation more affordable for the next generation of pilots.”

The eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 aircraft are known for their advanced technology, remarkable performance and environmental benefits. With the aviation industry under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and combat the pilot shortage, electric aircraft represent a promising future for cleaner, more efficient aviation and more cost-effective pilot training.

This initial fleet will serve as a key stepping stone for professional pilot training programmes to explore the viability of electric aircraft and determine when they might begin integrating these technologies into their curricula.