READY FOR TAKEOFF: Inside the race to make personal flying cars a reality

Key Concepts

• BlackFly: Pivotal's personal flying car.
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): A sector focused on developing new types of aircraft for transportation.
• Ultralight Type Aircraft: A classification of aircraft that, in this context, does not require a pilot's license or training.
• Redundancies: Built-in backup systems in the aircraft to ensure safety.
• Auto Land Feature: An automated system for landing the aircraft.
• Parachute Deployment: A safety feature that can deploy a parachute in emergencies.
• Pilot Program (Trump Administration): An initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of AAM vehicles.

Pivotal's BlackFly: A Personal Flying Vehicle

This segment provides an inside look at Pivotal's personal flying car, named the "BlackFly." The vehicle is slated for market availability starting next year, with deliveries commencing then.

Key Details and Figures:

• Deposit: A $50,000 deposit is required to secure a BlackFly.
• Cost: The price range for the BlackFly is between $190,000 and $260,000.
• CEO's Statement: The CEO of Pivotal asserts that the cost is "worth every penny," highlighting the vehicle's ability to travel in "all three dimensions."
• Operating Cost: The vehicle can be charged with approximately $1.87 worth of electricity.
• Range: The BlackFly can fly 25 miles on a single charge.
• Engineering Investment: The CEO emphasizes the considerable engineering and investment that has gone into the BlackFly.

Regulatory and Market Context

The development and potential deployment of vehicles like the BlackFly are being supported by government initiatives.

Trump Administration Pilot Program:

• Objective: The Trump administration has announced a pilot program to "fast track" Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles.
• Goals: The program aims to:
  • Expand connectivity to rural communities.
  • Reduce road congestion.
  • Enhance emergency services and medical transport.

Safety and Training

Pivotal emphasizes the safety features of the BlackFly and its approach to pilot training.

Aircraft Classification and Licensing:

• Ultralight Type Aircraft: Pivotal's personal flying vehicles fall under this category.
• Licensing Requirement: No pilot's license or training is required to operate an Ultralight Type Aircraft.

Pivotal's Training Program:

• Location: Customers are invited to Pivotal's headquarters in Palo Alto for training.
• Methodology: Training is conducted using a simulator.
• Trainees: Approximately 50 pilots have undergone this training so far.

Safety Features:

• Redundancies: The aircraft is equipped with multiple redundant systems.
• Auto Land Feature: An automated system is available for landing.
• Emergency Parachute: A parachute can be deployed in critical situations.

Conclusion

Pivotal's BlackFly represents a significant step in personal aviation, offering a potentially affordable and accessible mode of transport. With a clear market entry timeline, a defined price point, and a focus on safety through advanced features and a simulated training program, the BlackFly is positioned to leverage the growing interest and governmental support for Advanced Air Mobility. The vehicle's ability to operate in three dimensions and its low operating cost are highlighted as key selling points, aligning with broader goals of improving connectivity and transportation efficiency.