Pivotal Aero, a “market leader in light eVTOL aircraft”, announced this week the official launch of online sales for its “highly anticipated flying vehicle” named the Helix, reports a press release. The starting price is USD190,000 before taxes, delivery, or other fees, as applicable. Customers can place orders for delivery in the U.S on Pivotal’s website (see below). First customer shipments begin on June 10th of this year. The Helix’s capabilities are navigated “with intuitive joystick controls, guided by a simple user interface.”
The release explains, “At the heart of this single-seat vehicle lies a robust fault-tolerant design, bolstered by triple modular flight control systems for safety and reliability. Efficient, compact, and simple, the Helix is transportable and easy to assemble — from storage to sky in 30 minutes. It disassembles to fit into a 16-foot trailer.”
Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, commented, ”The market is ready for the wonder of aerial recreation and short-hop eVTOL travel. We are ready to provide the beauty and freedom of personal flight to a whole lot of people with a passion for flying and an interest in creating a new generation of aviators and aviation.”
Early access customer, Dean Owen, remarked, “As one of Pivotal’s BlackFly customers, I can’t wait for more pilots to join the fold. There’s no better feeling than flying in this aircraft, and I want to share it with people like me who have dreamt of flying for a long time. This is an exciting moment to get in on the Helix and a growing community of Pivotal pilots.”
Helix Packages
The Helix is offered in three configurations, with the ability to add accessories and services for further customisation.
¬ Package 1 offers a white and carbon fibre exterior finish and includes a digital flight panel, canopy, HD landing camera, charger, vehicle cart, custom marking, comprehensive pilot training, and warranty: Base price of USD190,000.
¬ Package 2 offers a gloss white and striped carbon fiber exterior finish and includes the features above, plus a trailer with dual wing cart; 4k camera with landing assist, recording, and sharing features; ADS‑B air traffic system; two chargers; and enhanced warranty. Base price of USD240,000.
¬ Package 3 offers an exterior in gloss white, carbon fibre, with custom accent colour and includes the features above, plus a premium flight deck, three chargers, beacon aircraft lighting; integrated emergency locator transmitter, one additional training slot for a friend or family member; and the option to fully customise the exterior at additional cost, design dependent: Base price of USD260,000.
More Information
¬ The Helix is only available in the United States.
¬ Customers can order the Helix online with a USD250 non-refundable application fee.
¬ To secure a Helix production slot and forecasted ship date, a deposit of USD50,000 is due within five business days of initial order placement.
¬ The Helix is manufactured in Palo Alto, California.
Important Reading
¬ While no pilot license is needed, training is essential.
¬ As the Helix complies with FAA Part 103 (Ultralight) category in the United States, the FAA requires Ultralight aircraft to fly over non-congested areas only and away from airports. And why under this regulation, no pilot license is required.
¬ All Helix pilots must successfully complete comprehensive initial and periodic recurrent flight training to support safe operations in all situations. Customers will select their training dates and receive delivery timing once Pivotal receives the aircraft deposit.
For more information
