After nearly five years of anticipation, Opener’s long-awaited flying vehicle — now under the rebranded company name Pivotal — is finally available for purchase. The aircraft, previously known as the BlackFly, has evolved into its latest form: the Helix, with a starting price of $190,000.
From Opener to Pivotal
Founded in September 2016 as Opener Inc., the California-based company has since rebranded as Pivotal. In early 2024, the company began accepting orders for its first scalable production vehicle, the Helix — a direct successor to the BlackFly V3.
Design and Dimensions
At first glance, the Helix closely resembles the BlackFly V3. Its overall dimensions remain unchanged:
- Width: 4.1 m (13.7 ft)
- Length: 4.08 m (13.5 ft)
- Height: 1.52 m (5 ft)
- Battery capacity: 8 kWh
However, subtle refinements set the Helix apart.
Key Differences from the BlackFly V3
- Weight: The Helix is heavier, with an empty weight of 157.8 kg (348 lbs) compared to the V3’s 141.9 kg (313 lbs).
- Payload Capacity: Reduced slightly to 104 kg (230 lbs), down from 113.4 kg (250 lbs).
- Wingtip Floats: New front wing floats enable emergency water landings, improving safety.
- Stronger Structure: Rear wingtip plates are sturdier, and the aerostructure has been optimized for better durability.
- Cockpit Upgrade: Redesigned canopy and flight deck, along with a durable livery to withstand aging, weather, and solar stress.
Performance & Specifications
The Helix is powered by an 8 kWh battery pack, divided into eight modules located directly behind the motors in the wings.
- Power Output: 84 kW
- Flight Time: ~20 minutes
- Range: 20 miles (with safety reserves)
- Top Speed: 63 mph
- Max Altitude: 1,500 ft
- Takeoff: Vertical, with tilt-forward transition
Each lightweight motor weighs only 2 kg (4 lbs) but generates 59 kg (130 lbs) of thrust, showcasing the simplicity and power of Pivotal’s tilt-craft concept.
Safety Features
Pivotal has built safety into the Helix’s DNA:
- Redundant flight controls
- Ballistic parachute
- Emergency water landing capability (thanks to floats)
- Mobile companion app for pre-flight checks, data recording, and maintenance
Regulatory Compliance & Training
The Helix is classified under the FAA’s Part 103 ultralight aircraft rules, meaning no pilot’s license is required. However, Pivotal mandates that all buyers attend FAA-approved ground school and flight training at its Palo Alto facilities.
Pricing & Options
- Base Price: $190,000
- Deposit Required: $47,500 (25% of cost)
- Optional Add-ons: Fast charging, aviation radios, and beacon lights (additional cost)
The Helix is primarily intended for recreation and short-distance travel within Class G airspace.
Competition: Helix vs. Jetson ONE
The Helix is not alone in the personal aerial vehicle market. The Jetson ONE, priced at nearly half the cost, offers a 15-minute flight time but lacks wings and has fewer safety measures.
- Jetson ONE: 90 kg weight, 15 minutes of flight, open multicopter design
- Pivotal Helix: 157.8 kg weight, 20 minutes of flight, enclosed cockpit, parachute, and water-landing capability
While the Jetson ONE may deliver a more raw and intimate flying experience, the Helix prioritizes safety, structure, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
With the Helix, Pivotal has taken a bold step forward in making personal aerial vehicles more practical, safe, and accessible. Whether you value cutting-edge safety systems or prefer the thrill of minimalism, the choice between Helix and Jetson ONE reflects two different visions of recreational flight.
So, which one would you choose — the safety-first Helix or the adventurous Jetson ONE?