Pivotal, backed by Larry Page, introduces Helix during CES 2024, a lightweight electric personal aircraft revolutionizing aerial travel. With a focus on US sales, Helix offers three configurations, catering to diverse needs while bypassing the requirement for a pilot’s license. Despite limitations in distance, its futuristic design, along with adaptable features, marks a promising leap in eVTOL technology.
Pivotal, a frontrunner in futuristic aviation, propelled its innovative Helix aircraft into the spotlight during CES 2024. Representing a significant evolution for the Palo Alto-based company, Helix, an electric personal aircraft, emerges as a game-changer. Distinctively backed by Larry Page, this venture marks Pivotal’s transition from its acclaimed BlackFly single-seat aircraft to Helix, designed for larger-scale production. The unveiling garnered immense attention, emphasizing its readiness for US sales, slated to commence deliveries in June 2024. Offering multiple configurations and circumventing the need for pilot certification, Helix aims to redefine recreational and short-distance eVTOL travel, promising a seamless aerial experience. However, with constraints in range, Helix reveals its promising yet limited capacity for long-haul flights.
This groundbreaking leap represents a significant stride for Pivotal, formerly recognized as Opener, a company deeply involved in the development of lightweight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for over a decade. While initially gaining acclaim for BlackFly, a single-seat aircraft with tilt-aircraft architecture, the unveiling of Helix in October exemplifies the culmination of Pivotal’s technological advancements and signals its readiness for larger-scale production.
Commencing on June 10, 2024, deliveries for Helix, exclusively available in the United States, are set to redefine aerial recreation and short-hop eVTOL travel. Prospective buyers in the US merely require training and a minimum of $190,000 (pre-tax) to secure their slice of airborne marvel.
CEO Ken Karklin expressed confidence in the market’s appetite for the wonders of aerial recreation and short-haul eVTOL travel. The initial response at CES indicated a promising market reception, with COO Kristina Menton noting a surge in reservations (requiring a refundable $250) within the first hour of online sales.
The Helix, a single-seat aircraft weighing approximately 348 pounds, operates within the regulations of the FAA Part 103 (Ultralight) category in the US, eliminating the necessity for Federal Aviation Administration pilot certification. However, certain stipulations persist; flights must occur solely over noncongested areas and away from airports. Pivotal mandates training for all buyers and imposes specific criteria, including a minimum age of 18, a weight under 220 pounds, and a maximum standing height of 6 feet 5 inches.
Despite its impressive features, the Helix does have limitations. With a range exceeding 20 miles and a charging duration of about 75 minutes (using a 240V charger) from 20% to full battery, long-distance flights remain beyond its capability.
The Helix offers three distinct configurations, all inclusive of mandatory training. The base package at $190,000 features the aircraft in a white-and-carbon fiber exterior finish, a digital flight panel, canopy, HD landing camera, charger, vehicle cart, custom marking, and warranty.
For an upgraded experience, the second package, starting at $240,000, introduces a gloss white-and-striped carbon fiber exterior finish. Additional features include a trailer with dual-wing cart, 4k camera with landing assist, recording and sharing capabilities, an ADS-B air traffic system, two chargers, and an enhanced warranty.
At the premium tier of $260,000, the third package enhances the exterior with gloss white and carbon fiber, along with customizable accent colors. This package encompasses premium flight deck features, three chargers, beacon aircraft lighting, integrated emergency locator transmitter, an extra training slot for a friend or family member, and the option for further exterior customization at an additional cost.
Manufacturing of the Helix will occur in Palo Alto, with customers able to place orders online accompanied by a nonrefundable $250 application fee. However, to secure the production slot and projected shipping date, a deposit of $50,000 must be made within five business days of the initial order placement, as per the company’s guidelines.
Pivotal’s Helix emerges as a beacon of innovation in the burgeoning eVTOL landscape, heralding a new era in personal aviation. Boasting accessibility without pilot license requisites, Helix targets the American market, offering a spectrum of configurations catering to varied preferences. Despite its limitations in covering extensive distances, Helix’s technological prowess and user-friendly features showcase its potential as a game-changing aerial companion. With its June 2024 delivery timeline, Helix positions itself as a frontrunner in the evolving aerial travel sector, captivating enthusiasts with its futuristic design and practicality. Pivotal’s foray into the realm of electric aircraft signifies a paradigm shift, heralding a thrilling era of personalized aviation experiences.
