Pivotal eVTOL: Proving Itself for AMS
Pivotal’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft (
pivotal.aero) is an eight-motor, single-person vehicle that takes off and lands vertically yet flies horizontally like a fixed-wing aircraft. The Helix has already impressed the general aircraft critics by winning the Gold 2025 Edison Award in the “Future of Personal Flight & Drive” category. The Pivotal eVTOL also has impressed the San Bernardino County (Cal.) Fire Protection District by showing off its skill during a public demonstration on June 23, 2025.
“The demonstration highlighted the potential of eVTOL technology to dramatically reduce response times and overcome traditional barriers like traffic congestion, natural terrain, or rural distances,” stated an SBCFPD news release after the event. “Our goal was to evaluate if this aircraft could deliver a paramedic safely, with gear and whole blood, to improve patient outcomes in the real world. This aircraft represents a powerful new tool in time-sensitive trauma care.”
The local media also were enthusiastic in their response to Pivotal’s AMS eVTOL performance. “The Helix eVTOL aircraft from Palo Alto-based aircraft designer Pivotal was the star of Monday’s show in San Bernardino,” said the Victorville Daily Press. “The battery-powered, single-seat aircraft requires no runway to take off or land and can fly up to 20 miles at a cruise speed of 63 mph, officials said.” The aircraft’s capabilities were well illustrated by a 93-second video embedded in the story, in which the Pivotal eVTOL rises, weaves, and maneuvers with considerable ability and ease.
For the record, the canopied-cockpit eVTOL is flown using a joystick with fly-by-wire controls and flight-panel instruments with in-flight navigation and aircraft status indication. It has a landing camera, ADS-B transponder and beacon lights, and is classified as an ultralight under FAA Part 103 rules. Its power comes from rechargeable battery packs. The production-intent Helix has a maximum payload weight of 220 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 568 pounds.
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July/Aug 2025
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