Flying High in the Electric Age: The Pivotal Helix eVTOL Takes to the Skies
There are quiet days in the electric world, when hardly anything happens and it makes me question sometimes if all the inventors and engineers went on holidays. But then there are days like today, when announcements come out one after another, as if the companies were in some kind of a mad race to outdo each other.
Among those many announcements, one came from Pivotal - from the people who brought you the buzz-worthy BlackFly. Say hello to the Pivotal Helix eVTOL. The name may be a mouthful, but, trust me, it is the performance that will leave you speechless.
The Helix is an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, or eVTOL for those in the know. Think of it as the love child of a helicopter and a drone that decided to dress up like an airplane for Halloween. For a mere $190,000 (chump change, really), you could be the proud owner of this single-passenger aerial chariot. Sure, you could buy a house with that money, but can your house fly?
Now, the Helix's specs are as impressive as the number of motorcycle boots I own. This light aircraft fits neatly under the FAA's Part 103 ultralight rating, meaning it weighs less than 255 pounds empty (115 kg for my metrically-minded readers), and can't go faster than 63 mph. But let's be honest, what’s speed when you’re flying through the air like a majestic electrically-powered bird?
And, here's the kicker: no pilot license required! Though, thankfully, the brains behind this contraption are wise enough to insist on training. And while many will argue that “training” is just code for “how not to splat into a mountain,” I see it as an essential rite of passage.
Now, let's dig a bit deeper into this flying marvel, shall we? The Helix boasts updated digital electronics hardware, enhanced non-flight-cloud connectivity (whatever that means), and a spiffy companion smartphone app. With the latter, one can manage charging, service, and pre-flight checks all while taking a selfie. What a time to be alive!
And let's not forget the cockpit's facelift. A redesigned canopy and flight deck give you all the comfort you'd want while zipping around in the skies. The Helix even features a durable livery, reducing the effects of age, weather, and solar loading (though I wouldn’t mind a bit of solar loading for my tan).
For those who think $190,000 isn't enough to splurge on their aerial escapades, never fear! Additional goodies like fast charging, aviation radios, and beacon lights are available for purchase. The exact price of these trinkets remains under wraps, but I'm betting they're worth every penny.
Interested parties can open their wallets come January 9, 2024, with a mere $47,500 deposit (that’s 25% for the mathematically challenged). First customer deliveries are expected on June 10, 2024. Hurry up and reserve now! And remember, train before you fly.
There is absolutely no doubt that the eVTOL industry is booming, and it's not just about the Pivotal Helix. With over 300 Jetson One eVTOLs already sold and plans for 700 vertiports in the Oceania region, the future is taking off! So, next time you're stuck in traffic, just remember: the sky’s the limit... if you have $190,000 to spare, that is.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
