Key facts
- Ken Karklin has departed as CEO of Pivotal, a flying car company.
- Mike Ross, a board member since November 2025, will serve as interim CEO.
- Pivotal sells the single-seat Helix aircraft for approximately $200,000.
- The company's BlackFly aircraft has been used in emergency response situations.
- Pivotal is participating in the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.
Ken Karklin has stepped down as the CEO of Pivotal, a company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is backed by Larry Page. Karklin, who led the company for over four years, is reportedly moving on to "new endeavors."
Pivotal stated that Karklin's departure was amicable and that their strategic direction and priorities remain unchanged. Mike Ross, a member of Pivotal's board of directors since November 2025, will assume the role of interim CEO. Ross expressed confidence in the company's foundation and its future.
Pivotal has been active in the eVTOL space, having launched sales for its first lightweight electric personal aircraft, the single-seat Helix, which starts at approximately $200,000 and does not require a pilot's license. The company has also developed the BlackFly aircraft, intended for defense and first responder use, which recently assisted in an emergency response in North Carolina, reportedly arriving 20 minutes faster than an ambulance.
The company has accumulated over 10,000 flights with its BlackFly aircraft. Pivotal is also recognized for its selection into the Federal Aviation Administration's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, designed to facilitate the testing of these advanced aircraft.