Palo Alto, California-based company Pivotal has started online sales Monday night at CES 2024 for Helix, a lightweight electric personal aircraft that does not need a pilot's license to fly.
The move is a significant step forward in the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market, positioning Pivotal as a key player in the industry.
Pivotal Launches Helix
Pivotal hopes that the launching Helix will position it as a revolutionary flying vehicle designed to provide enthusiasts with a taste of aviation without the traditional barriers associated with piloting.
Priced at $190,000 before taxes, delivery, or additional fees, the Helix is now available for orders on Pivotal's website, with the first shipments scheduled to commence on June 10, 2024.
The Helix boasts a single-seat configuration, equipped with intuitive joystick controls and a user-friendly interface, allowing users to navigate its powerful capabilities effortlessly. A key feature of the Helix is its robust fault-tolerant design, supported by triple modular flight control systems that prioritize safety and reliability.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Helix is designed to be efficient, compact, and easy to assemble. The aircraft can be disassembled to fit into a 16-foot trailer, emphasizing portability and convenience, according to Pivotal.
Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, expressed pride in launching the Helix, saying, "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."
He added, "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."
Helix's 3 Packages
The Helix is available in three distinct packages, each offering varying features and customization options to cater to individual preferences:
Package 1: Priced at $190,000, this package includes a white and carbon fiber exterior finish, a digital flight panel, a canopy, an HD landing camera, a charger, a vehicle cart, custom marking, comprehensive pilot training, and a warranty.
Package 2: For $240,000, this package builds upon Package 1, offering a gloss white and striped carbon fiber exterior finish. It includes additional features like a trailer with a dual wing cart, a 4k camera with landing assist, recording and sharing features, an ADS-B air traffic system, two chargers, and an enhanced warranty.
Package 3: Priced at $260,000, this premium package includes an exterior in gloss white, carbon fiber with custom accent color. It encompasses all features from the previous packages, with 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 for full exterior customization at an additional cost and depending on the design.