Pivotal opens sales for light eVTOL Helix
Light electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer Pivotal, formerly known as Opener, has started selling Helix, the company’s first scalable production aircraft.
The Helix is the company’s fourth-generation platform and is modeled after the company’s preproduction BlackFly. The single-seat Helix also has fixed rotors and tandem wings, and controls flight by independently varying the speed of the rotors, much like a consumer drone. It is designed to fly under FAR Part 103 as an ultralight aircraft. The aircraft battery holds 8 kilowatt-hours on a full charge, which gives it more than a 20-mile range with a 20-percent reserve. The Helix has a cruise speed of 55 knots, and a maximum climb and descent rate of 500 feet per minute. The aircraft is designed to disassemble and fit into a 16-foot trailer. It can be assembled and ready to fly in 30 minutes.
The Helix is only available to fly in the United States. The FAA classifies the Helix as a Part 103 ultralight aircraft, meaning no pilot certificate is required. As an ultralight, the Helix may not be operated over congested areas or near airports.
The Helix may operate in areas up to 5,000 feet agl, and Pivotal asks operators to contact the company should they wish to fly the Helix in areas above 5,000 feet agl. The aircraft should only be operated at temperatures between 14 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Helix is offered in three packages with options to add accessories and services. All packages include comprehensive pilot training for up to two people, and a warranty.
Package prices range from $190,000 to $260,000.
Training with Pivotal is required to complete a Helix purchase and features hands-on simulator and flight training.
Interested parties can place their orders online with a $250 nonrefundable application fee. A deposit of $50,000 is due within five business days of the order to secure a production slot and ship date.
Orders will begin shipping on June 10.
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