Is an electric powered Cessna 172 coming to a runway near you?

The AOPA’s Reporting Points blog has recently mentioned a lengthy video interview of George Bye from Bye Aerospace whose goal is to develop and get FAA certification for an electric propulsion system for the Cessna 172 – the most popular general aviation aircraft. In the interview, George noted that the average four seat piston aircraft is 38 years old. His point: The general aviation industry is in need of revitalization and needs to become current when it comes to technology.

However, there would be a catch with the technology George is developing: Its initially intended for training aircraft because the pilot will have to land every two hours for a charge. In other words, some day you may need to add “charge batteries” to your preflight checklist!