Palo Alto, Calif.-based Pivotal, backed by Larry Page, launched its **sale of Helix Monday night at CES 2024. Helix marks a major development for Pivotal, formerly known as Opener, which has been working on lightweight, electric vertical take-off aircraft for more than a decade.
The company initially gained traction for the Blackfly, a personal single-seater aircraft with a tilt-of-aircraft structure that was delivered to its first customer in June 2023. Unveiled in October, Helix is a testament to the maturity of the company's technology and is the first aircraft designed for high-volume production.
Helix is only available in the United States, with deliveries starting June 10, 2024. Potential U.S. buyers only need training time and at least $190,000 (before taxes) in funding. Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, said:"The market is ready for the wonders of in-flight entertainment and short-haul e-aircraft travel"。
Judging by the initial reaction, the market seems to be ready. Kristina Menton, chief operating officer of Pivotal, revealed that within the first hour of an online sale, potential customers have already started booking.
This single-seater aircraft does not require pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Weighing approximately 348 pounds, the Helix is lightweight and meets FAA Part 103 (Ultralight) regulations. But that doesn't mean there aren't some regulations. The FAA stipulates that ultralight aircraft can only fly in non-congested areas and far from airports. Pivotal requires all purchasers to be trained. There are a few additional requirements for purchasers: they must be at least 18 years old, weigh no more than 220 pounds, and stand no more than 6 feet 5 inches.
In addition, there are some limitations. The Helix has a range of over 20 miles and takes about 75 minutes to charge from 20% to 100% using a 240V charger.
All three configurations of Helix include the necessary training. The $190,000 base** includes a Helix aircraft, white carbon fiber exterior, digital flight panels, canopy, HD landing camera, charger, vehicle cart, custom signage, and warranty.
Starting at $240,000, the second** offers a glossy white and striped carbon fiber look and includes the above features, plus a trailer, a 4K camera with land assist, recording and sharing, an ADS-B air mobility system, two chargers, and an enhanced warranty. By the way, the trailer is a convenient tool for users to push the Helix around. According to Pivotal, Helix can be assembled in less than 30 minutes. After disassembly, it can fit into a 16-foot trailer.
Priced at $260,000, the third** is available in bright white and carbon fiber with custom accent colors, including the materials mentioned above, as well as a premium flight deck, three chargers, beacon aircraft lighting, an integrated emergency locator transmitter, an additional training slot for a friend or family member, and the option to fully customize the look depending on the design for an additional fee.
The Helix aircraft will be produced in Palo Alto. Customers may subscribe to Helix for a non-refundable $250 application fee. However, according to the company, to secure production schedules and expected shipping dates, customers are required to pay a $50,000 deposit within five business days of the first order.