The Helix Is Your Passport to the Sky Without a Pilot's License!
Ladies and gentlemen, rev up your enthusiasm and fasten your seatbelts because the future of personal aviation just got a whole lot more electrifying! Pivotal, the California-based electric aviation mavericks, have just unleashed their latest creation onto the unsuspecting skies of the United States.
Before I delve into the nitty-gritty details of this high-flying contraption, let's address the 800-pound gorilla in the room. The Helix doesn't require you to go through the hoops and loops of getting an FAA pilot certification. Yes - you, your grandma, and even that distant cousin you haven't seen in years can potentially take to the skies. That is, of course, if you've got a rather hefty chunk of change to spare.
Pivotal, formerly known as Opener.aero, has made quite a name for itself in the world of electric aviation, thanks in no small part to their BlackFly aircraft. But now, they've decided to raise the stakes with the Helix – their fourth-generation light eVTOL. It's got all the tech wizardry of its predecessor, but with a few nifty upgrades. Trust me, it's like the iPhone 17 of personal aviation.
Now, let's get down to brass tacks. How much does the Helix cost, you ask? Well, the basic model starts at a mere $190,000 (before Uncle Sam takes his share, mind you). But hold on to your aviator hats, my dear readers, because Pivotal offers not one, not two, but three different packages of customization and added features. It's like picking toppings for your ice cream, only this time it's for your flying machine.
Package 1 comes with a white and carbon fiber exterior finish, a digital flight panel, a canopy (you know, for when it inevitably rains), an HD landing camera, charger, vehicle cart, custom marking (to show off your individuality, naturally), comprehensive pilot training, and warranty. All for the low, low price of $190,000.
Package 2, for those who crave a bit more pizzazz, offers gloss white and striped carbon fiber exterior finish, along with all the goodies in Package 1. Plus, you get a trailer with a dual-wing cart, a 4K landing camera with recording and sharing features (for those viral YouTube moments), an ADS-B air traffic system (because we can't have mid-air fender benders), two chargers, and an enhanced warranty. All for a cool $240,000.
And finally, Package 3, the crème de la crème, boasts exterior gloss white with carbon fiber, a custom accent color, and everything in Packages 1 and 2. You also get a premium flight deck (for those who demand nothing but the best), three chargers (because one just isn't enough), beacon aircraft lights (to make sure you're seen from space), an emergency locator transmitter (just in case), an additional training slot for a friend or family member (because flying solo is overrated), and the option to fully customize the exterior at an additional cost. All this can be yours for a mere $260,000.
Now, I can almost hear you asking, "How the heck do I transport this contraption?" Fear not, dear reader, for Pivotal has thought of everything. The Helix can be neatly disassembled and tucked into a 16-foot trailer. And when you're ready to soar, it'll take you about 30 minutes to assemble this oversized Mecano kit and prepare for flight. It's like building a complex LEGO set, only with the added thrill of knowing you're about to take to the skies.
Pivotal's CEO, Ken Karklin, had this to say about the Helix: "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. 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."
So, how do you secure your very own Helix eVTOL? It's as easy as pie (albeit a large one), my friends. First, cough up a non-refundable $250 application fee to secure a pre-order. Then, when you're absolutely sure you want to take the plunge into the skies, drop a cool $50,000 to reserve a production slot. From there, you'll be able to schedule your mandatory flight training. Yes - MANDATORY flight training. After all, we can't have you zigzagging through the clouds like a drunken seagull.
As for delivery, you won't have to wait eons. Initial Helix deliveries are set to begin on June 10, 2024. Mark your calendars, folks! In the meantime, check out some Helix pilots experiencing the sheer joy of eVTOL flight in Pivotal's video below. It's like a rollercoaster ride through the clouds, minus the nausea.
There’s absolutely no question - Helix by Pivotal is a game-changer in the world of personal aviation. It's your golden ticket to the skies, and you don't even need a pilot's license. Just be prepared to dig deep into your pockets, choose your customization wisely, and soon, you'll be living the dream of flight. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to soar like a bald eagle on an adrenaline rush! Now, where’s my mortgage broker’s phone number?
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
