Pivotal’s Helix: The Future of Personal Electric Flying Cars Arrives

The dream of flying cars has taken a step closer to reality, as personal air travel becomes more accessible. For those who can spare about $200,000, the future of flying on demand is now within reach, thanks to advancements in aviation technology.

Pivotal, a company based in Palo Alto, has been pioneering this technology since 2009. The company was founded by Marcus Leng, who first tested a flying car prototype in 2011. Leng’s creation, an ultralight electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), was a pivotal innovation in the field.

Named BlackFly, this fixed-wing aircraft was a departure from traditional gas-powered helicopters and set the stage for Pivotal’s current offerings. After relocating to the Bay Area in 2014, Pivotal developed a successor to BlackFly that would eventually lead to Helix, their latest model.

Pivotal’s CEO, Ken Karklin, explained, “The company kind of came out of stealth at that point and said, ‘This is what we’re up to.’” Now, interested buyers can reserve a Helix with a $50,000 deposit. The aircraft is priced starting at $190,000, with additional options like a transport trailer and charger available.

Once ordered, customers can expect delivery within nine to twelve months. The company offers a training program at its Palo Alto headquarters and Monterey Bay Academy Airport, which includes passing the FAA knowledge test and completing ground school.

Since its public introduction in July 2018, Pivotal’s BlackFly has evolved, culminating in the unveiling of Helix in October 2023, described as the first scalable production aircraft of its kind.

The Pivotal Black Fly takes off near Watsonville, Calif.

Unlike other companies developing air taxis, Pivotal offers a single-person aircraft designed for recreation and short-haul travel, with potential applications in emergency response and military settings. However, the integration of such aircraft into public spaces raises concerns about airspace management, as noted by Darlene Yaplee, president of the Aviation-Impacted Communities Alliance.

Early adopters like Tim Lum, who purchased a BlackFly in 2023, are already enjoying the experience. Lum has flown the aircraft across the U.S., emphasizing its accessibility and the joy it brings. “Something really happens to the synapses in my brain when I’m flying,” he shared.

The Pivotal BlackFly cruises in the air.

The Helix, classified as a Part 103 ultralight aircraft, is designed to operate below 200 feet in unregulated airspace. With a weight of 355 pounds, the aircraft promises ease of use without requiring a pilot’s license.

Pivotal plans to expand its market presence, focusing on personal use, public safety, and defense sectors. The aircraft’s simplicity, with only 18 moving parts, ensures cost-effectiveness and safety. Pivotal’s quality management system is certified, and the aircraft is evaluated by the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Assn.

Flight demonstrations at Monterey Bay Academy Airport showcase the Helix, which, according to Karklin, generates interest whenever it is in the air. “It’s starting to get very real,” he said. “More people can actually see it in person and touch it and feel it. And then they want to get on.”