Electric aviation startup Pivotal proudly announced that it has finally started selling the Helix light eVTOL in the United States on January 8.
According to the press release, customers can order the Helix through the company’s online configurator for a $190,000 base price.
“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.”
Ken Karklin, Pivotal CEO
What’s special about the Helix?
Pivotal’s Helix eVTOL differs from any other aircraft of its type as it does not require Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certification.
Nonetheless, it still adheres to the FAA’s Part 103 (Ultralight) category. The company requires all eVTOL pilots to complete the comprehensive flight training it provides.
Helix is a smart light eVTOL aircraft with a wide range of safety features, potentially opening the skies to more potential buyers.
It marks the company’s inaugural scalable production aircraft, offering technologies similar to its BlackFly predecessor. However, it has numerous improvements that can offer eVTOL aircraft fans a feasible opportunity to take flight.
Owners are only permitted to fly in non-congested areas and must stay clear of airports.
“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.”
Early access customer Dean Owen
Energy and performance
Presented below are the energy and performance details of Pivotal’s Helix eVTOL aircraft:
| ITEMS | Specs |
| RANGE, WITH 20% RESERVE | 20+ miles |
| BATTERIES | 8 kWh total storage |
| CHARGE TIME | Level 2 charger: 240 V / 50 A, charge from 20% – 100%: 75 minsLevel 1 charger: 120 V / 15 A, charge from 20% – 100%: 4.5 hrs |
| ENERGY CONSUMPTION COMPARISON | Helix: 245 Wh/mileElectric car: 270 Wh/mile |
| PERFORMANCE AT MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT | Cruise speed 55 knots (63 mph)Maximum climb rate 500 fpmMaximum descent rate 500 fpm |
| MAXIMUM STATIC THRUST | 960 lbs |
Availability and pricing
Pivotal officially opened the Helix’s order books on Monday. It has a starting price of $190,000, excluding taxes, delivery, and other fees.
Notably, it offers three distinct packages with different customizations and features:
| Package 1 | Package 2 In addition to the Package 1 | Package 3 In addition to the Package 1 and 2 | |
| Inclusions | white and carbon fiber exterior finish and includes a digital flight panelcanopyHD landing cameraChargervehicle cartcustom markingcomprehensive pilot training and warranty | gloss white and striped carbon fiber exterior finish a trailer with dual wing cart4k camera with landing assistrecording and sharing featuresADS-B air traffic systemtwo chargersenhanced warranty | gloss white and carbon fiber exterior finish with custom accent color a premium flight deckthree chargersbeacon aircraft lightingintegrated emergency locator transmitterone additional training slot for a friend or family memberoption to fully customize the exterior at additional cost, design dependent |
| Base Price | $190,000 | $240,000 | $260,000 |
The Helix eVTOL is only currently available for orders in the US market. Interested buyers can place an order online for a $250 non-refundable application fee. In addition, it also requires a $50,000 deposit fee due within five business days of placing the initial order to reserve a production slot and set the mandatory flight training. Pivotal aims to start delivering initial units of the Helix on June 10, 2024.
