Pivotal

Pivotal (formerly Opener) is an aerospace startup headquartered in California that focuses on developing innovative eVTOL aircraft. The company successfully conducted the first human flight of an all-electric fixed-wing VTOL aircraft in October 2011. Its flagship product, the Blackfly, is a personal aerial vehicle designed to provide individuals with a unique and accessible flying experience. The company claims that this was the world’s first all-electric, fixed-wing, eVTOL aircraft for personal transportation.

In January 2024, the company also launched Helix, a single-seat eVTOL aircraft that weighs ~348 pounds, and satisfies the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 103 (Ultralight) category. Helix can fly over non-congested areas and from airports in a range of ~20 miles. As of September 2024, Helix was available for pre-order starting at USD 190,000, with expected delivery in 2025.

The Blackfly is a single-seat eVTOL aircraft that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. It is powered by multiple electric motors and features a simple and intuitive control system, making it easy to operate for both experienced pilots and newcomers to aviation. With a range of over 20 miles and a cruise speed of 60 mph, the Blackfly offers convenient and efficient transportation for short to medium distances. The aircraft is equipped with redundant systems to ensure optimal performance and safety during flight. It also incorporates an innovative ballistic parachute system that can be deployed in emergency situations, providing an added layer of protection for the pilot. As of September 2024, the retail price of the BlackFly had not been announced.

In September 2024, Pivotal reported that it completed 1,117 crewed flights in the BlackFly aircraft and claimed it as a milestone of flights for the first in-light eVTOL aircraft. Following this, in September 2024, Pivotal completed the delivery of 13 BlackFly aircraft to customers across the US as part of its Early Access Program.