The SE-1 is a light-sport aircraft (LSA). In the United States, the FAA requires an LSA pilot to have 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 (tailwheel configuration), including crosswind landing techniques.

Please review the SE-1 Pilot’s Operating Handbook, including the Flight Training Supplement before piloting the SE-1.

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 typical pilot is comfortable flying in OAT down to 40 °F (4 °C).

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).

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

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.

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.

Spirit Engineering currently offers the SE-1 only in a tailwheel configuration. However, we intend to offer a tricycle gear option in the future, with the ability to convert existing tailwheel aircraft to tricycle configuration.

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 use. 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.

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. 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 intends to offer a closed canopy option in the future.

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 this 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.

Yes. Please contact our Sales department for information about shipping and handling.

Very likely yes, depending on your civil aviation authority. The SE-1 was designed to fit in a standard shipping container. Please contact our Sales department for information about shipping and handling.

The SE-1 was designed to fit in an enclosed trailer typically used to ship automobiles, or in a standard international shipping container.

The Spirit V2 engine is not currently available as a stand-alone offering. However, we may consider selling the engine separately in the future. Please contact our Sales department to register your interest.

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 page.

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

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