Sun Flyer proof of concept debuts

Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. is developing the Sun Flyer aircraft. Based at Centennial, the company announced the prototype in March. The all-composite aircraft will be powered by an electric motor driven by lithium-ion batteries charged by solar cells mounted on the wings. It is intended to be the first FAA-certified all-electric trainer.

“Sun Flyer is going to be environmentally friendly, but there will be a lot of significant cost reductions as well,” said Charlie Johnson, president of Aero Electric Aircraft Corp.

That will help the people who want to be professional pilots but can’t afford the training, said Jay Lindell with the State of Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. “Today we cannot meet the demand for commercial pilots, but with the Sun Flyer, general aviation will again be affordable, not a luxury.”