As a reminder, eVOTLs aren’t the future of transportation. Yes I know I said it already, but I’ve had to keep saying it for years. Aside from public transportation uses — which are questionable themselves — no one knows exactly who these things are supposed to be for. While the timeline for many eVTOLs to come to market keeps getting pushed further and further out, one company has actually managed to offer one for sale.
Electrek reports that Pivotal has managed to begin US sales of its Helix eVTOL. The Palo Alto, California based company was originally known as Opener.aero since its founding. Back then, it debuted the first generation of its eVTOL called BlackFly. The Helix represents the fourth generation of the company and its tech.
The main highlight of the Helix is its portability, as Electrek points out:
Pivotal states that its Helix light eVTOL is easily transportable and can fit inside a 16-foot trailer when disassembled. When future owners are ready to soar, the Helix can be assembled and prepared for flight in 30 minutes.
Another plus, which some may find disturbing, is that while the Helix complies with the FAAs Part 103 ultralight aircraft rules, you don’t have to have a pilots license to pilot it; flight training is included in its purchase price.
Speaking of price, this is less an eVTOL and more an eighth-propeller prop plane for the well off. Pricing starts at $190,000 for the base Package 1 and goes up from there. From Electrek:
- Package 1 – Includes white and carbon fiber exterior finish, digital flight panel, canopy, HD landing camera, charger, vehicle cart, custom marking, comprehensive pilot training, and warranty. Base price – $190,000.
- Package 2 – Includes gloss white and striped carbon fiber exterior finish and the features above, plus a trailer with a dual-wing cart, a 4K landing camera with recording and sharing features, ADS-B air traffic system, two chargers, and an enhanced warranty. Base price – $240,000.
- Package 3 – Includes exterior in gloss white, carbon fiber, plus a custom accent color and includes the features above, plus a premium flight deck, three chargers, beacon aircraft lights, emergency locator transmitter, one additional training slot for a friend or family member, and the option to fully customize the exterior at an additional cost. Base price – $260,000.
If you have that kind of money and are interested, preorders have begun. The process of preordering a Helix requires a $250 non-refundable application fee and then a $50,000 deposit to reserve a production spot. This will also allow the buyer to schedule their mandatory flight training. Pivotal says delivers are scheduled to start June 10, 2024.