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Personal Aircraft Requiring No Certificate to Fly Gains Customers Nationwide

Pivotal’s BlackFly prototype, the predecessor of its Helix production model, has been delivered to 13 customers across the U.S.

Tuesday, October 01, 2024 at 09:24 AM ET

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The U.S. Air Force is among the early adopters of Pivotal’s BlackFly, which it is evaluating for various defense missions. [Courtesy: Matthew Clouse/U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Pivotal has delivered 13 BlackFly personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which qualify as FAA Part 103 ultralights and require no pilot certification, to both private customers and the U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the BlackFly for military applications such as surveillance and logistics, valuing its minimal space requirements, quick deployment, and cost-effectiveness.
Although easy to fly with minimal training, the ultralight classification imposes restrictions like daytime-only flight in Class G airspace, limited range and speed, with safety features including a full-aircraft parachute.
The BlackFly is a prototype for Pivotal's Helix production model, which is now available for purchase at $190,000 and offers improved performance while retaining core features.

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BENTONVILLE, Arkansas—A personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that requires no pilot certification to fly is taking to the skies of California, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and other U.S. states.

Here at UP.Summit 2024—a private gathering of some 300 movers and shakers in the transportation industry—manufacturer Pivotal on Tuesday said it has delivered 13 of its BlackFly prototype aircraft to customers nationwide. Those users, which include both private owners and the U.S. Air Force, are some of the first in the world to pilot an eVTOL design.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.