George Bye of Bye Energy announced, on November 4, 2010, that he plans to fly a 1978 Cessna 172, using an electric propulsion system, sometime in the Spring of 2011.

This leaves him about seven months to deliver on his claim.

Photo of a Cessna 172 airplane in flight

If Mr. Bye’s plan go as he hopes, it would be a major first leap toward the creation of an electric hybrid aircraft propulsion system. Mr. Bye claimed he will eventually recharge the airplane’s batteries using a jet-fuel-powered auxiliary power unit, and that will extend the plane’s range. He stated there is no need to test it during its first flight.

The rear seats of the airplane will replaced by lithium ion batteries. Bye told interested parties that lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are already in use commercially.

Cessna, which supports Bye’s engineering, certified as standard a 44-amp lithium ion battery on the Citation CJ4, used for starting and emergency backup. Cessna and A123 Systems created that battery. They first used a Li-ion battery in a business jet. A standard lead-acid battery weighs more than their Li-ion battery.

Bye stated that, different from fueled engines, an electric motor is indifferent to changes in density altitude. They do not merely offer a clean energy alternative to airplane engines powered by fuel. Even at altitude, electric motors produce full power.

Mr. Bye did not comment on the possibility that his company would make conversion kits for Cessna 172s. He also could not yet state or predict the price of such a conversion.