Bye Aerospace has started assembling the fuselage for the first serial production example of its eFlyer light aircraft. This milestone was reached as the U.S. manufacturer edged closer to completing FAA type certification for the two-seat, all-electric model.

Composite Universal Group (CUG) is building the fuselage under contract from Bye Aerospace. CUG, which is based in Oregon, is also assembling the Toray carbon-composite wings for the eFlyer 2.

“We appreciate the high-tempo level of support that [CEO] Steve Ruege and his great team at CUG are giving to this project,” commented Bye CEO George Bye.

In a statement today, Colorado-based Bye reported that it is nearing the completion of most of the system-specific certification plans (SSCPs) for the program. Bye said it is working on final approval coordination with FAA officials.

According to Bye, the company now holds a sales backlog that includes 717 purchase deposit agreements for the eFlyer 2, the four-seat eFlyer 4, and the planned Envoy aircraft, which is expected to carry up to around nine people. Customers include several flight-training organizations, but other applications, including personal transportation and air taxi service, are also anticipated.