New electric plane may curb flight school costs

Global Business

Have you ever thought about becoming a pilot and looked into taking flying lessons. Those lessons can be very expensive.

But a new all-electric aircraft that relies partly on solar power could cut flight school costs and ease a global shortage of pilots.

CCTV America’s Hendrik Sybrandy reports from Colorado.

Aero Electric Aircraft Corporation has just unveiled the prototype of its new all-electric Sun Flyer plane which could open up the skies to many more pilots.

Aero Electric C.E.O. George Bye said by using electricity at one U.S. dollar per flight hour, as opposed to gas at $30-$50 per flight hour, flight school prices will drop dramatically.

Because of its design, the plane a lot lighter and much more efficient then others.

Solar cells on the wings add extra energy to the aircraft batteries. Sun Flyer will generate a lot less noise and pollution. It could create more jobs for flight instructors.

Flight schools will have to be patient; it could be a couple of years before Aero Electric gets the proper certification and begins production.

If all goes well, Sun Flyer could revitalize general aviation and make the skies friendlier for flight buffs to explore again.