New Pivotal owner describes their experience with an eVTOL
Owning one of the first flying cars can be interesting
Dean Owen, Kentucky dude, has become the second person to own a BlackFly craft.
The vehicle in question is produced by Pivotal, a California-based company, we’ve talked about it before (Pivotal, Opener, black-fly, etc). This innovative craft eliminates the need for a traditional runway, much like a helicopter - but much easier to use.
One of the coolest things about this craft is that it enabled Owen to become one of Pivotal's early access customers, even though he is not a pilot by profession. In fact, he is the first non-pilot to have the opportunity to pilot one of these extraordinary vehicles (meaning he doesn’t have a pilot’s license). In an interview, Owen was excited about the prospect, stating to NBC affiliate WVIT, "This is brand new. I'm the first person in the program, the first person that did this and helped them develop the program, I get to be part of making history, changing the world. I get to be a tiny little piece of that."
Even though he doesn’t have a pilot’s license, the process isn’t so easy. Prospective owners of the BlackFly are required to undergo weeks of training at Pivotal's facility in California before they are allowed to operate the vehicle. Pivotal describes the BlackFly as a tilt aircraft with fixed rotors and tandem wings. Unique to say the least!
According to Pivotal's website, the BlackFly has been in development for over 10 years - figuring out all the stuff. So if you are an experienced pilot or new to aviation, the BlackFly is designed with safety as a top priority, making it easy to fly and providing the thrill of flight to all. And believe me, I want one to fly too. Pivotal, if you are listening, hook me up!
In addition to the BlackFly, Pivotal also manufactures another VTOL aircraft called the Helix. The Helix, which has been in development for over a decade, is Pivotal's first aircraft to be produced at scale. It is designed to bring the joy of flight to individuals with a spirit of adventure and features unique software and hardware controls.
Seems like Pivotal's ultimate goal is to make flight a more accessible form of transportation, particularly for smaller and personal trips. They prioritize safety, simplicity, and sustainability, aiming to encourage more people to take to the skies and experience the wonder of flight.
So really its about folks that want to dabble a little in flying without the enormous burden of getting a pilot’s license (very relatable)
Here’s the link to the actual interview if you want to check it out: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/kentucky-man-becomes-an-early-owner-of-an-experimental-plane-dubbed-a-flying-car/3279195/