Pivotal’s BlackFly eVTOL has surpassed 1,000 crewed flights, setting a milestone in personal electric aviation and highlighting the aircraft’s reliability, accessibility, and real-world performance
Story and Image Credit: Summer James
aaminternational.com
A single BlackFly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Pivotal has logged over 1,000 crewed flights since its delivery in 2023 to a member of the Early Access Program, marking what is believed to be the most flights by any single powered-lift eVTOL aircraft in history.
Pivotal announced the achievement at UP.Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, stating that it further cements the company’s reputation for record-breaking performance and reliability. Overall, dozens of developmental aircraft built by Pivotal have successfully completed over 8,000 flights, including more than 2,000 piloted flights, since the world’s first crewed eVTOL flight by the company’s founder in 2011. In the last three years alone, Pivotal eVTOLs have flown in over 100 different locations across the United States.
The aircraft’s owner, Tim Lum, shared the experience with a group of 12 people who are now among the world’s first private eVTOL aviators. “The real magic isn’t just the flying; it’s also in sharing that experience. Watching my friends progress through Pivotal’s training, from their first virtual flights to confidently piloting the aircraft themselves, has been so rewarding. Pivotal has created both a sensational aircraft and a system that allows me to safely share the magic of flight. We’ve essentially started our own small flying club, and it’s a blast.”
Pivotal light eVTOL aircraft are engineered for a high level of accessibility, designed for the FAA Part 103 Ultralight category, which means they do not require a pilot’s license to operate in the U.S. The company has now certified over 50 pilots through its unique training program.
Pivotal’s single-seat eVTOL is a light powered-lift aircraft that combines advanced technology, safety, and ease of use. It is cloud-connected with a state-of-the-art display and smart flight controllers. In flight, the software automatically manages motor speeds and other control surfaces for smooth, precise operation. The aircraft can take off and land vertically on various surfaces, including grass, pavement, snow, or ice. It is designed to be transportable, fitting in a 16’ trailer and ready to fly in 30 minutes.
“Surpassing 1,000 crewed flights with a single eVTOL aircraft is an aviation first,” said Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal. “Our technology is as reliable as it is revolutionary. For personal flight as well as public safety and defense applications, the impact of this light eVTOL design and aero infrastructure is profound.”
Individuals who have flown the aircraft shared their experiences. Ron Ayson, a special education teacher, said, “I always wanted to learn how to fly. I got my wish. Every simulation and in-person session prepared me for real flight, and by the time I took the controls, I felt completely ready.”
Brandon Goff, co-founder of Native Teaching Aids, creative director, and educational software developer, stated, “The BlackFly stands out as my most unique and enjoyable flight experience. Its unmatched simplicity, handling, performance, and flight dynamics surpass anything I’ve ever flown. After more than 25 flights in a wide range of conditions, this vehicle has proven consistently elegant, stable, and confidence-inspiring.”
Clay Chase, a reliability systems engineer, commented on the technical design, “This aircraft is remarkable from a systems standpoint. The software seamlessly integrates inputs from me as a pilot with external conditions, allowing me to focus on the experience. As a reliability engineer with over 11 years of experience at Google, the thing that actually impresses me with Pivotal’s software is the way it handles unexpected inputs.”
Marketing executive Michelle Villanueva noted: “I seek out adventure and new experiences, but I never imagined I’d be an eVTOL pilot. Flying Tim’s aircraft in different and beautiful places is a thrill.”
Pivotal’s personal aircraft, including the new Helix and the legacy BlackFly developmental eVTOL, weigh less than 350 pounds empty, take off vertically using eight electric motors, and transition seamlessly from hover to forward flight, cruising at up to 63 mph. The BlackFly has a typical range of 20 miles or 20 minutes with a full 20% reserve.
The Helix aircraft is moving towards production with evolved energy storage and battery management technology and is expected to offer materially increased range and duration, with final specifications anticipated before the end of the year.
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