Pivotal starts selling Helix eVTOL aircraft in the US

Pivotal, a provider of light electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, officially launched online sales for its Helix flying vehicle. The starting price for a single-seat all-electric Helix aircraft is a little less than $200,000 before taxes, delivery, or other fees. First customer shipments are to begin in June 2024.

With an empty weight of 348 lb, 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. Under this regulation, no pilot license is required. However, Pivotal requires that all Helix pilots must successfully complete comprehensive initial and periodic recurrent flight training to support safe operations in all situations.

The Helix is flown with joystick controls, guided by a simple user interface. The vehicle offers a fault-tolerant design, bolstered by triple modular flight control systems for safety and reliability. The Helix is transportable and easy to assemble – from storage to sky in 30 minutes. It disassembles to fit into a 16ft trailer.

Unlike other eVTOLs that tilt their rotors, the Helix airframe tilts upward for vertical takeoff and landing, pivoting to horizontal for forward flight.

Made of carbon fiber composite materials, the aircraft dimensions are 13ft 7"W x 13ft 5"L x 5ft 3"H. Eight fixed propulsors backed by 8kWh total battery storage offer 55kts (63mph) cruise speed. Four split elevon pairs offer control redundancy. The Helix is manufactured in Palo Alto, California, and is only available in the United States.

"We're proud to begin selling, and soon delivering, our Helix aircraft. 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,” said Pivotal CEO Ken Karklin.

Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications.

The Helix is offered in three configurations, with the ability to add accessories and services for further customization.

• Package 1 offers a white and carbon fiber exterior finish and includes a digital flight panel, canopy, HD landing camera, charger, vehicle cart, custom marking, comprehensive pilot training, and warranty

• 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

• Package 3 offers an exterior in gloss white, carbon fiber, with custom accent color 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 customize the exterior at additional cost, design dependent

Pivotal (formerly known as Opener.Aero) introduced the BlackFly light eVTOL to the market in 2021. The company's distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been under continuous improvement for more than 12 years.