Crowdfunding + Deregulation = the new e-Go aircraft
Thanks to individual investors and the UK CAA’s recent relaxation of licensing rules for light aircraft, the one-seater e-Go has been completely developed and built in the UK.
This new 115kg aircraft, which its manufacturers hope will be in production by early 2015, will cost only £50,000 + VAT to buy, and £15 an hour to fly (around ten times less than other common small aircraft).
Through the UK crowdfunding platform, the SyndicateRoom, e-Go attracted £500,000 in one month. e-Go Aeroplanes, which is the first general aviation manufacturer to seek funding through an equity based crowdfunding platform, is led by technology entrepreneur Malcolm Bird, previously of Acorn Computers and ARM Holdings.
The aircraft showcases technological developments such as a computer operated throttle, and is being celebrated as a revival of the UK’s aerospace market.