Technology

Flying car now on sale for $190,000

Published

2 months ago

February 9, 2026

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A future with flying cars no longer lives just in concept videos. It now lives in Palo Alto, and if you have about $200,000 plus patience, you can reserve one today. The company behind that future vehicle is Pivotal, a California company that has quietly spent more than a decade turning a radical idea into a real aircraft. Its latest creation, called Helix, is now open for reservations, and delivery could be less than a year away. Yes, this is an actual flying car you can buy.

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How Pivotal turned a secret flying car into a real product

THE WORLD’S FIRST FLYING CAR IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

The Helix flying car cruises at about 62 mph and operates in unregulated airspace under FAA Part 103 rules. (Pivotal)

Pivotal’s story started in 2009, when founder Marcus Leng began developing an electric aircraft that could take off vertically without gasoline. In 2011, Leng became the first person to fly the real thing. He called it BlackFly and worked on it quietly for years. By 2014, the company relocated to the Bay Area. In 2018, it finally stepped out of stealth and revealed BlackFly to the public. That second-generation design became the foundation for Helix, the aircraft Pivotal now offers for sale. Leadership shifted in 2022 when Ken Karklin took over as CEO. Under his watch, the company moved from experimental flights to customer reservations and structured training.

What the Pivotal Helix flying car actually is

Helix is a single-seat, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, often called an eVTOL. Unlike helicopters, it has fixed wings, while traditional airplanes need a runway to get airborne. Instead, Helix takes off and lands vertically and runs entirely on electricity. As a result, it falls under the FAA’s Part 103 ultralight category, the same regulatory class as a hang glider. That distinction matters because it means you do not need a pilot’s license to fly it.

At about 355 pounds empty, Helix is designed to fly below 200 feet in unregulated airspace. It cruises at roughly 62 mph and offers around 30 minutes of flight time per charge. Meanwhile, charging takes about 75 minutes using a 240-volt outlet.

How much the Helix flying car costs to own

Helix starts at $190,000. Buyers can also add a transport trailer for $21,000 and a charger for $1,100. To reserve one, customers place a $50,000 deposit. According to Karklin, buyers who reserve today could receive their aircraft in nine to 12 months. Pivotal says it has already received more than a year’s worth of reservations.

Pivotal says it does not publicly share exact sales figures, but the company says interest remains strong. “While Pivotal doesn’t share specific order numbers, we have a healthy backlog of orders, and customers who place a deposit today can expect delivery within 9-12 months.”

How long it takes to learn to fly the Helix

Training takes place at Pivotal’s Palo Alto headquarters and at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport. The process includes passing the FAA knowledge test, completing ground school and learning how to control, maintain, transport and assemble the aircraft. Most customers complete training in under two weeks. More than 50 people have already been trained to fly Pivotal aircraft. Some are customers. Others are employees.

Why Pivotal says the Helix flying car is built for safety

Helix was designed with simplicity in mind. It has only 18 moving parts and relies heavily on redundancy to prevent system failures. The aircraft has been independently evaluated by the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association. Pivotal’s quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards. Noise is another concern people often raise. During takeoff and landing, Helix sounds roughly like a couple of leaf blowers. Once airborne, people on the ground may not hear it at all.

Pivotal says years of real-world flight data across its fleet continue to shape how the aircraft performs. “Across our fleet, and including privately owned BlackFly aircraft, Pivotal eVTOLs have completed over 9000 flights to date — of those 2500+ have had a pilot onboard.” That history, the company says, comes without safety incidents. “We have a flawless flight record and a flawless safety record.” The company also points to what it has learned from connected aircraft systems. “We learn so much from these cloud-connected aircraft.” According to Pivotal, that data has had a direct impact on the Helix design. “Most importantly, we have been able to enhance the experience, make flying simpler, safer and more enjoyable as we move into production.”

Who is already flying Pivotal’s flying cars today

A small group of early-access customers already owns and flies BlackFly aircraft, the predecessor to Helix. One of them is Tim Lum, a Washington state resident who bought his aircraft in 2023. Since then, Lum has completed about 1,200 flights in more than 100 locations across the U.S.

Despite not being an FAA-certified pilot, he regularly takes off and lands on private land with permission and uses small private airports. In addition, Lum tows the aircraft coast to coast and shares it with trained family members and friends. For him, flying is deeply personal. According to Lum, being in the air helps clear his mind and opens doors in ways money cannot.

To understand what it feels like to fly Helix for the first time, we asked Pivotal what new pilots say after their initial flights.

“First-time pilots – especially those without any aviation background – often talk about the unforgettable joy of their initial flight,” a Pivotal spokesperson told CyberGuy. “The huge smiles on every face say it all.” They say that excitement comes from more than simply being airborne. “They describe the thrill of being up in the air, feeling truly one with the aircraft, and seeing the world from an entirely new perspective.” The company says many first-time pilots are also surprised by how the aircraft feels in flight. “Many are surprised by how freeing it feels to fly, particularly because sitting at the center of gravity creates a sensation unlike traditional airplanes – more balanced, more immersive and incredibly intuitive.”

Not everyone is sold on flying cars

As with any new aircraft technology, concerns remain. Aviation groups have raised questions about crowded airspace and how communities will respond as more vehicles take to the sky. Pivotal says it approaches this differently than air taxi companies. While others focus on urban shuttles, Helix is built for single-person recreation, short-hop travel and specialized missions.

NEW PERSONAL EVTOL PROMISES PERSONAL FLIGHT UNDER $40K

Noise and airspace concerns often come up when people hear about personal eVTOL aircraft. Pivotal says those concerns are central to how it designs and operates its vehicles. “At Pivotal, we design light eVTOL aircraft for the real world – where people live, work and play- and that includes addressing community and regulatory concerns around airspace use and noise.” The company says trust matters as much as technology. “Earning public trust is essential to making electric aviation part of everyday life, and noise is a key factor.”

Helix breaks down for transport and fits into a trailer, allowing owners to tow it and fly in different locations across the country. (Pivotal)

Pivotal says direct engagement helps address those concerns. “We engage directly with communities through events and demonstrations across the country, giving stakeholders the opportunity to experience the aircraft firsthand.” The company also points to independent testing. “Our aircraft are quiet by design. Independent NASA testing shows the Pivotal BlackFly produces approximately 70 dBA of flyover noise at 100 feet, a level aligned with how sound is perceived by the human ear.”

Federal rules also limit where ultralight aircraft can operate. “Under FAA Part 103 regulations, ultralight aircraft are allowed to operate in uncontrolled airspace, including public and private land – close to 90% of the country.” Still, Pivotal notes that there are clear boundaries. “However, ultralight aircraft are not permitted to fly over congested areas, further reducing any concerns around noise.”

How Pivotal plans to use Helix beyond personal flying

Pivotal plans to operate across three business segments: personal ownership, public safety and defense. In 2023, the company leased eight aircraft to an innovation arm of the U.S. Air Force and defense technology firm MTSI. That testing helped inform the latest version of Helix. Karklin believes recreational flying and short-distance travel should not be dismissed. He argues that those use cases may drive adoption faster than large urban systems.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Flying cars still sound wild when you say it out loud, yet Helix shows this idea has moved well past hype and headlines. This is a real aircraft, flown by real people, with real rules and real limitations. For most people, Helix will remain something to watch rather than buy. The price alone puts it out of reach. Even so, its existence matters. It shows that personal flight no longer belongs only to licensed pilots, airfields and aviation clubs. Pivotal took a slow and deliberate path to get here. That patience may be why Helix feels less like a stunt and more like a glimpse of what comes next. Just as electric cars reshaped expectations before becoming mainstream, personal eVTOL aircraft are starting at the top and working their way down. The question now is not whether flying cars are possible. It is how comfortable we become sharing the sky when they are no longer rare.

Designed for recreation and short-hop travel, Helix offers a new way to experience flight without a pilot’s license. (Pivotal)

Would you trust yourself in a single-seat flying car, or does the sky still feel like a line we should not cross? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

Are robots coming to a McDonald’s near you?

Published

12 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

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Are robots coming to a McDonald’s near you?

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Walk into a McDonald’s, and you expect a familiar routine. You order, wait and grab your food. At one location in Shanghai, that routine briefly looked very different.

McDonald’s deployed robots from Chinese robotics firm Keenon Robotics in one of its fast-food restaurants as part of a short-term test tied to a store opening. The robots greeted customers, added a bit of entertainment and helped with simple service tasks.

DRONE FOOD DELIVERY LAUNCHES IN NEW JERSEY

Humanoid and service robots from Keenon Robotics line up outside a McDonald’s in Shanghai, highlighting the mix of experimental machines used in the short-term test. (Keenon Robotics)

What actually happened at this McDonald’s in Shanghai

This test happened at just one location. It was not a rollout. It was a short pilot tied to a store opening. Inside the restaurant, humanoid robots greeted customers and added a fun, interactive element. You can see them wearing McDonald’s uniforms and making simple gestures for diners. At the same time, other robots handled basic tasks like delivering food and clearing trays. It was a mix of different machines working together, not a fully integrated system.

Human workers still did the real work behind the counter. They handled cooking, orders and anything that required judgment.

In the end, this looked more like a live demo than a real shift in operations. The robots were there to attract attention, not replace staff.

Why McDonald’s is experimenting with robots

Even though this was a small test, it reflects a much bigger trend. Restaurants in many regions are dealing with hiring challenges. At the same time, fewer workers are interested in repetitive, lower-paid roles. That creates an opportunity for automation. Robots can handle simple, repetitive tasks with consistency. They do not get tired, and they can operate for long hours. For fast-food chains, that level of reliability is appealing. At this stage, the technology is not advanced enough to replace human workers. But it can support them in limited ways.

Are robot workers the future of fast food?

Not yet. This test was more about exploring possibilities than changing operations. The robots acted more like a demonstration of what could come next rather than a working solution ready for scale. Right now, the most realistic future is a hybrid model. Humans continue to handle cooking, customer issues and complex tasks. Robots assist with basic service and customer-facing roles. That balance could evolve over time as the technology improves.

Why robot tests matter for the future of fast food

Even short-term experiments can signal where things are headed. Robots can speed up service, reduce long-term labor costs and create a unique experience that attracts customers. For families and younger diners, interacting with a robot can turn a routine visit into something memorable. That novelty factor alone makes these tests valuable for companies looking to stand out.

ROBOT FIREFIGHTERS ENTER BURNING BUILDINGS FIRST

A humanoid robot greets a customer at the counter, showing how the machines were used to create an interactive, front-of-house experience. (Keenon Robotics)

Why fast food automation is still in the early stages

Today’s robots are limited. They struggle with complex tasks and unpredictable situations that require human judgment. Cooking, handling special requests and managing busy environments still depend on people. That is why this test remained small and temporary. It shows potential, but it also highlights how far the technology still has to go.

What this means to you

You are not about to walk into a fully automated McDonald’s. But you may start seeing more technology in everyday places. That could mean faster service and fewer delays. It could also mean less direct interaction with human staff. Jobs in fast food are unlikely to disappear overnight. Instead, they may shift toward roles that focus on customer support, problem-solving and managing technology. At the same time, these early tests raise questions about how far automation will go and how quickly it could change the workforce.

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A humanoid robot dressed as a chef stands on display, underscoring how the test leaned more toward demonstration and entertainment than real kitchen operations. (Keenon Robotics)

Kurt’s key takeaways

This was not a rollout. It was a glimpse. McDonald’s used humanoid robots in one location for a short period to test reactions and explore possibilities. The machines added novelty, but they did not replace workers. Still, the direction is clear. Automation is moving into everyday spaces, one small test at a time.

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If robots can already greet you and deliver your food, how long before they take on the rest of the job? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Technology

Red Rooms makes online poker as thrilling as its serial killer

Published

12 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Red Rooms makes online poker as thrilling as its serial killer

It’s rare for a movie to get technology right. And it’s even rarer for that movie to be a thriller or horror, where realism takes a backseat to scares and tension. But Red Rooms mostly gets it. Nothing takes me out of a film quicker than a tech MacGuffin that might as well be literal magic. Yes, the phrase “dark web” will always sound a bit silly, but at no point during its 118 minutes does the tech become a distraction.

It’s not the tech that makes Red Rooms great, though. It’s just something that could have easily tanked an otherwise excellent movie. What carries the film is the expert tension building by director Pascal Plante. The perfect slow-burn pacing. And the incredible performances by Juliette Gariépy as Kelly-Anne and Laurie Babin as Clementine.

The film centers mostly on Kelly-Anne, a model / hacker / professional gambler who attends the trial of serial killer Ludovic Chevalier. She befriends Clementine, a fan of Chevalier who insists that he is being framed.

Clementine neurotically and loudly defends Chevalier, calling into TV shows and shouting at reporters outside the courtroom. She makes a spectacle of herself. But Kelly-Anne remains more mysterious, her motives unclear. Even at the end of the film, there is ambiguity about what she was trying to accomplish and why.

The ambiguity is part of what makes Red Rooms so enthralling. The movie feels unpredictable. None of the characters seem trustworthy or relatable. The world they inhabit is familiar, yet uncanny.

The movie lingers in that discomfort for long periods of time, making you squirm. Giving you the opportunity to play through all the possible scenarios that could play out in your head. Is Chevalier really the killer? Is Kelly-Anne the killer? Was one of the victim’s mothers an accomplice? Is the prosecutor keeping a secret?

The movie inches along, drawing out a tale of kidnapping, live-streamed torture, and snuff films before erupting into a climax that unexpectedly mines online poker and Bitcoin for legitimate drama. It’s ultimately less about the murders themselves than it is about obsession, internet bubbles, and the media. It almost feels like a grimier companion piece to David Fincher’s Gone Girl.

Technology

FBI email hack shows why you must lock down your tech

Published

12 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

FBI email hack shows why you must lock down your tech

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Here’s the uncomfortable truth. If someone can break into the personal email of the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, your inbox is not off limits.

Malicious actors targeted the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, according to the FBI, and a group known as the Handala Hack Team in Iran has claimed responsibility for posting photos and documents online.

No classified systems were breached. But that is not the point. The real story is this: the front lines of cyber warfare now run straight through personal accounts like yours.

FBI SAYS ‘MALICIOUS ACTORS’ TARGETED PATEL’S PERSONAL EMAIL, IRAN-BASED HACKING GROUP CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY

Hackers didn’t breach FBI systems; they accessed a personal email account, showing how everyday accounts can become targets. (Donato Fasano/Getty Images)

What happened in the FBI director’s email hack

Hackers gained access to Patel’s personal email account, not any official FBI systems. The stolen material included photos, travel details and older messages that spanned more than a decade, with emails dating from around 2011 through 2022.

The FBI said “malicious actors” targeted Patel’s personal email account but did not attribute the attack to a specific country. A group known as the Handala Hack Team, which operates out of Iran, has claimed responsibility for the breach.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation says no government or classified data was compromised. The U.S. State Department is offering up to a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification of members of the Handala Hack Team. CyberGuy reached out to the FBI for comment, but did not receive a response before our deadline.

A cybersecurity expert described the exposed material as a “personal junk drawer.” That detail is what makes this incident hit close to home. Most people have one too.

The threat is real and it is getting more sophisticated

This does not appear to be random. U.S. officials have warned for years that foreign government-linked hackers, including groups associated with Iran, have targeted Americans, especially those connected to government or politics. These campaigns often ramp up during periods of geopolitical tension. Similar actors have previously targeted individuals tied to the Trump administration, including:

Donald Trump Jr.
Todd Blanche
Lindsey Halligan

These groups also hit private companies. In one recent case, hackers claimed responsibility for disrupting operations at a U.S. medical device company and spreading propaganda tied to geopolitical events. This is coordinated. It is persistent. And it is not slowing down.

Why your everyday tech is now part of the battlefield

Cyber warfare used to target government systems. Now it targets you. Why? Because personal accounts are easier to break into. They are often protected by reused passwords, old emails and weak security habits.

Once hackers get in, they can:

Map out your life through old messages
Steal personal photos or financial details
Impersonate you in scams
Use your contacts to spread attacks

FBI Director Kash Patel speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

In simple terms, your digital life can be used against you or someone you know.

IF SOMEONE GETS INTO YOUR EMAIL, THEY OWN EVERY ACCOUNT YOU HAVE. THESE 3 MOVES LOCK THEM OUT FOR GOOD

What you need to do right now to lock down your tech

I know it can sound intimidating, but it really comes down to this. You don’t need special skills, just a few smarter habits starting today.

1) Turn on two-factor authentication everywhere

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the strongest defenses you have. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot get in without the second code. Focus on your email first. That is the master key to everything else.

2) Stop reusing passwords

If you reuse one password across accounts, one breach can unlock your entire digital life. Use a password manager and create unique passwords for each account. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com

3) Clean out your “digital junk drawer”

Remember that phrase from the FBI case? Old emails, documents and attachments can expose years of your life. Go back and delete anything you no longer need, especially files that contain personal, financial or travel details. For anything important, move it to a secure location instead of leaving it sitting in your inbox. You can also check out CyberGuy’s 5 digital clean-up tips you didn’t know you needed to reduce long-term clutter and limit what attackers could access if your account is ever compromised.

4) Watch for highly targeted phishing

These attacks are getting more convincing. Hackers can use stolen data to craft emails that look personal and real. Always double-check links and sender addresses before clicking. Use strong antivirus software that can detect suspicious links, block malicious downloads and warn you before you interact with a dangerous site. Think of it as an extra layer of defense you do not have to think about. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

5) Consider using a data removal service

Even if you clean up your inbox, your personal information may already be circulating online through data broker sites. These companies collect and sell details like your address, phone number and even past activity. A data removal service can help automatically request the removal of your information from hundreds of these sites, reducing what hackers can find and use against you.

6) Keep your devices updated Updates fix known security flaws. Delaying them gives attackers a window to exploit your device.

7) Separate your digital life

Use different email accounts for banking, shopping and personal communication. This limits the damage if one account is compromised. Consider using email aliases, which are alternate addresses that forward to your main inbox. For example, you can use one alias for online shopping and another for signups. If one alias gets exposed or starts receiving spam, you can disable it without affecting your primary email account. For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com

Cyberattacks today often focus on personal data like emails and photos, which can be used to expose or manipulate victims. (Philip Dulian/picture alliance via Getty Images)

8) Use passkeys where available

Passkeys replace passwords with a secure login tied to your device or biometrics. They cannot be reused or phished, which makes them one of the safest ways to protect your accounts today.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The U.S. is facing capable cyber adversaries. Hacker groups have shown they can keep pushing, adapt quickly and target both institutions and individuals. At the same time, the most common entry point is still simple. A weak password. An old email account. A moment of inattention. That means the first line of defense is not just government agencies. It is you.

What’s one thing you’ve done or haven’t done to protect your accounts that still worries you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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