Electric Aircraft Are No Longer a Jetsonian Dream

Meet two of the world's first private owners of the BlackFly prototype.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Pivotal's BlackFly is the first electric aircraft to land in civilian hands. [Courtesy: Pivotal]

Key Takeaways:

Dave Cook and Dean Owen are the first private owners of electric aircraft in the U.S., participating in Pivotal's early access program for their BlackFly eVTOL.
The BlackFly qualifies as a Part 103 ultralight, requiring minimal training and offering simpler, more affordable maintenance compared to conventional aircraft.
While current flights are restricted in range and duration, early owners see the BlackFly as a pioneering step with significant potential for future applications like commuting and specialized services.
The broader electric aircraft market is expected to grow, with business aviation, cargo, and specific eSTOL/eCTOL models likely to emerge before widespread eVTOL air taxis.

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Dave Cook owns a Lancair and made a career out of flying. Dean Owen had never flown before. But both are making aviation history as the first private electric aircraft owners in the U.S.

“The only thing I ever did with an aircraft was jump out of a few for the military,” Owen said. “I’ve got a buddy that used to fly me around for business trips, and on a rare occasion, he would let me take the stick of his Cessna while we’re in the air. But that was it.”