eVTOL things are happening at CES
Pivotal Helix on sale, what happened to Aska A5?
Last year, CES 2023 brought us this weird one, the A5 by Aska. I don’t believe much has happened since August 2023 with them (a good topic for a future article). 2023 was a huge year for eVTOL’s and flying cars so I’d expect much more at CES 2024.
But just in time, Palo Alto-based company Pivotal (we’ve covered them before) has launched online sales for its Helix electric personal aircraft at CES 2024, a significant milestone in the air mobility market. At $190,000 (not cheap), the Helix is designed to be user-friendly and doesn't require a pilot's license to operate. It's now available for order on Pivotal's website, with the first deliveries expected on June 10, 2024.
The single-seat Helix features intuitive joystick controls and a fault-tolerant design with triple modular flight control systems for safety. It's compact and can be disassembled to fit into a 16-foot trailer, highlighting its portability.
Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, highlighted the Helix's role in opening up personal flight to a broader audience, emphasizing its potential in aerial recreation and short-hop eVTOL travel.
The Helix is offered in three packages, each with different features and customization options:
Package 1: ($190,000) Includes basic features like a white and carbon fiber exterior, digital flight panel, HD landing camera, and comprehensive pilot training.
Package 2: ($240,000) Builds on Package 1 with added features such as a gloss white and striped carbon fiber exterior, a 4k camera with landing assist, an ADS-B air traffic system, and an enhanced warranty.
Package 3: ($260,000) The premium option offers all features from previous packages plus extras like a premium flight deck, beacon aircraft lighting, and full exterior customization.
Do you want a package? Can you afford it? Do you meet the criteria? If so, here’s the link: https://accounts.pivotal.aero/order/eligibility