To fly the SE-1 in the U.S., FAA requires a Sport Pilot (or higher) certificate. In other countries, please check with your local civil aviation authority.

Before flying the SE‑1, you should be proficient in other light-sport aircraft with conventional landing gear (a.k.a. tailwheel configuration), including crosswind landing techniques. You must have proper certification(s) and a tailwheel endorsement.

The SE-1 is not a training aircraft. Because it is a single-place aircraft, dual flight training is not possible and we do not offer transition training. If you are a new pilot, or do not have a tailwheel endorsement, we recommend training with a flight school that offers training in light-sport aircraft with conventional gear.

The SE-1 may operate from reasonably smooth grass surfaces. Many pilots prefer grass as it virtually eliminates tire wear.

However, the SE-1 is not an airplane to operate from unimproved surfaces. As well, a very soft surface might pose some problems if the clearance between the landing gear fairing and the ground is minimal. The fairing would not do well operating in mud or wet, tall grass because the mud or grass might accumulate inside the fairing.

Due to the aerodynamic features of the SE-1’s open cockpit, mild weather conditions do not generally affect aircraft operation or pilot comfort. With proper clothing and application of cabin heat — a standard feature of all SE-1 — a typical pilot is comfortable flying in OAT down to 40 °F (4 °C).

No. The SE-1 is not approved for flight in instrument meteorological conditions?

The SE-1 Pilot’s Operating Handbook lists 15 miles per hour as the maximum demonstrated crosswind component.

Although the SE-1 is quite light, it does surprisingly well in a crosswind landings because the wing is very close to the ground at the point of set down. A skilled pilot may be able to land successfully in much stronger crosswinds, though we do not recommend doing so.

The SE-1 has a 4G limit load / 6G ultimate load. Aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited.

The SE-1 features adjustable rudder pedals and an adjustable seat to accommodate pilots of varying size. The maximum pilot weight is 275 pounds (125 kg).

Pilots up to 6′-5″ have flown and are comfortable in the SE-1. Taller pilots may fit well, but comfort and safety depend on not only overall height but also body proportions.

Spirit Engineering will make the Pilot’s Operating Handbook and Aircraft Maintenance Manual available to registered owners of the aircraft. Each aircraft is delivered with these manuals, as well as the Engine Operation, Maintenance, and Overhaul manual.

The Spirit V2 engine was designed to be both simple and reliable. Any appropriately rated mechanic, including a Repairman-Light Sport with Maintenace rating (LSRM), can service the engine.

Yes. The SE-1 and Spirit V2 engine were developed and tested in western Colorado where density altitude exceeds 8,000 feet MSL in temperatures over 100 °F.

Approved fuels for the Spirit V2 engine include 91 AKI* (minimum) unleaded automotive fuel and 100LL aviation fuel. Ethanol-free automotive fuel (mogas) is preferred over blends with ethanol, and over aviation fuel (avgas). Fuel with a lower octane rating is not approved under any circumstances.

* Octane rating or AKI (antiknock index) is calculated using the (R+M)/2 method, where R represents the Research Octane Number (RON), and M represents the Motor Octane Number (MON).

Spirit Engineering recommends 91 AKI, unleaded, ethanol-free, automotive gasoline (mogas) for the Spirit V2 engine, although aviation grade 100LL gasoline (avgas) is also approved.

Thus far, most of the engine testing has been done using mogas. Our team has made several cross-country flights running avgas with no ill effects. Additional testing is required to determine the long-term effects of running avgas.

At present, Spirit Engineering prescribes no special procedures when using avgas, though this could change in the future based on the results from more extensive testing.

We are establishing TBO (time between overhauls) using the “Accelerated Overhaul Test” prescribed by the ASTM International standard practice for LSA engine design and manufacturing. Thus far, the test has demonstrated an overhaul interval of 780 hours.

However, engine qualification testing is ongoing in our specially-designed engine test cell, and we expect to be able to raise TBO in the future to 1200 hours, 1500 hours, or more. The time frame for this is unknown. Please watch this web site for announcements related to engine testing and changes to TBO recommendations.

Spirit Engineering designed the SE-1 to be affordable to purchase, operate, maintain, and store. The initial purchase price of the SE-1 is comparable to that of a new pickup truck. The aircraft is inexpensive to operate due to very low fuel consumption. Since the folding wings require minimal transport and storage space, dedicated hangar space at an airport is not required. Finally, the airframe and engine were designed to be simple to maintain.

Spirit Engineering currently offers the SE-1 only in a tailwheel configuration.

We may offer a tricycle gear option in the future, with the ability to convert existing tailwheel aircraft to tricycle configuration. However, we have no plans in place to do so and the time frame for this offering is unknown.

Please watch this web site for announcements related to new product offerings.

Spirit Engineering intends to offer a closed canopy option in the future. We envision the design will allow the owner to easily switch between open and closed cockpit by installing either version of the canopy.

The time frame for this offering is unknown. Please watch this web site for announcements related to new product offerings.

The SE-1 was not designed to accommodate a ballistic recovery system (parachute). Due to the added weight and cost of the system, we do not plan to offer this on the SE-1.

At present, we have no plans to design and build a two-place version of the SE-1.

Please watch this web site for announcements related to new product offerings.

The lower center of the instrument panel features four mounting holes arranged in the industry-standard 30 mm x 38 mm AMPS pattern. This allows for securely mounting a tablet, smartphone, or other device using standard mounting systems such as those from RAM® Mounts.

A tablet or smartphone mounted in this area is typically used as an “electronic flight bag” to assist with navigation, for flight planning, or to receive ADS-B In traffic and weather information. It must not be considered a primary flight display.

The tablet or smarphone and mounting hardware are not included with the aircraft.

ADS-B receivers (ADS-B “In”) function separately from the ADS-B transmitter (ADS-B “Out”). Aircraft may be equipped with only ADS-B Out (typically built in to the transponder), only ADS-B In (typically available from a portable receiver), or both.

SE-1 owners who desire ADS-B Out capability may purchase the optional transponder (with ADS-B Out) from Spirit Engineering with the aircraft. Pilots interested in receiving ADS-B In data (traffic and weather information) may purchase an ADS-B In receiver that displays the information on a tablet or smartphone from various sources.

Yes. The SE-1 exterior is constructed of corrosion-resistant Alclad aluminum. The aircraft could be painted. A fully painted SE-1 will be heavier than the Alclad aluminum aircraft. Spirit Engineering does not currently offer a painted version of the SE-1.

Yes. Vinyl graphics applied at the factory can be easily removed.

Spirit Engineering offers the SE-1 equipped with MGL Avionics instruments and Trig transponder (optional). In the U.S., owners who wish to replace the panel or avionics may reregister the aircraft as an experimental light sport aircraft (ELSA), after which they are free to make alterations without consulting Spirit Engineering.

Spirit Engineering manufactures the SE-1 as a fully complete, ready-to-fly aircraft. We have no plans to offer the aircraft as a kit.

The SE-1 is typically delivered as a Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA). In the U.S., owners who wish to register the SE-1 as an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA) may do so either at the time of purchase or afterward.

Spirit Engineering designed and built the Spirit V2 aircraft engine specifically for the SE-1 because no other four-stroke engine could meet our requirements for reliability, simplicity, power, and weight.

Please visit the Interested? page and click Contact Sales.

We began taking orders and delivered the first aircraft in late Summer, 2025. If you are ready to purchase, please visit the Interested? page and click the Contact Sales button.

Typically, your new aircraft will be ready for delivery within three to six weeks after the purchase commitment is complete. However, many factors may influence the delivery date.

Likely, yes. Delivery and shipping are not included in the purchase price. Please contact our Sales department for more information.

At present, our priority and focus are to fill orders here, in the United States. We are unable to provide any shipping information for foreign orders at this time.

A significant advantage to transporting the SE-1 is that the aircraft fits nicely in a standard 20-foot cargo container with no need for disassembly and reassembly.

Although we are unable to provide shipping quotes for transportation outside the U.S., we intend to offer this service in the future. The time frame for this is unknown. Please watch this web site for any announcements related to deliveries outside the U.S.

The SE-1 was designed to fit in an enclosed trailer of a size typically used to ship automobiles. However, the SE-1 is much lighter than an automobile — less than 450 pounds (~200 kg) empty weight — so transportation in a trailer with stiff suspension when not properly secured may cause significant damage. Please review the SE-1 specifications for dimensions and weights.

The Spirit V2 engine is not currently available as a stand-alone offering. We are producing engines at a rate needed only to satisfy the delivery of SE-1 aircraft.

Spirit Engineering may consider offering the Spirit V2 engine separately in the future, although the time frame for this is currently unknown. Please watch this web site for announcements related to new product offerings.

Regulations vary by jurisdiction. Please contact our Sales department for more information.

Please note, at this time we are unable to provide any information regarding sales to customers outside the United States.

Spirit Engineering does not offer financing, but we expect there will be lenders willing to finance in the future.  Financing typically requires the aircraft to be insured, and we expect underwriters will come forward to insure the SE-1 as the number of flying aircraft increases.

Please watch this web site for announcements related to financing and insurance partners.

We welcome you to schedule a visit to our factory in Grand Junction, Colorado. For more information, visit the Contact Us page.

We have received numerous inquiries from individuals and business entities desiring to represent the SE-1 in various countries around the world. We are flattered with their interest and enthusiasm, but our focus right now is to deliver aircraft to domestic customers here in the U.S. through direct sales.

Both the SE-1 aircraft and Spirit V2 engine were designed to be reliable and simple to maintain. Any appropriately rated mechanic, including a Repairman-Light Sport with Maintenace rating (LSRM), can service the aircraft and engine. We do not currently have plans to establish specialized service centers here or in any other countries.

Our staffing needs vary depending on many circumstances, but we are always happy to hear from people enthusiastic about working in aviation. If you are interested in working at our factory location in Grand Junction, Colorado, please send your resume to hr@spiriteng.com.

Spirit Engineering introduced the SE-1 at AirVenture 2025 with several SE-1 aircraft on display. If you missed us, you are welcome to schedule a visit to our factory in Grand Junction, Colorado. For more information, visit the Contact Us page.

Available information about the SE-1 aircraft and Spirit V2 engine is presented here, on this web site. Any announcements about the availability of products, new offerings, changes, or upgrades will also be presented here. We do not currently offer a newsletter, and are not able to notify individuals directly.

Links to third-party resources, including magazine articles, videos, and podcasts, are listed on the Media page of this web site. (Click the “More” menu, then click “Media”.)

We received hundreds of naming suggestions, and we wish to thank all those who offered them. Many are very creative! We have not yet selected an official name for the aircraft or the engine. For now, the aircraft remains simply the “SE-1”, and the engine remains the “Spirit V2”.