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 electric aircraft owners in the U.S., participating in Pivotal's early access program for the BlackFly eVTOL ultralight aircraft.
The BlackFly is a Part 103 ultralight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, allowing for shorter training periods via simulator and offering a unique, joystick-controlled flight experience.
Owners, regardless of prior flight experience, found a learning curve with the BlackFly's distinct controls and operating parameters, but benefit from simpler maintenance and strong manufacturer support.
While currently operating with limitations (e.g., daytime, restricted airspace/range), the BlackFly represents an early step in the broader Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market, with further electric aircraft development anticipated for various applications beyond personal ultralights.

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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.”