The chief executive officer of a prominent flying car venture supported by Larry Page has stepped down from his post.
According to a press release, Ken Karklin concluded a tenure of more than four years leading Pivotal this week. While the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) enterprise noted that Karklin is moving on to “pursue new endeavors,” it refrained from disclosing further details surrounding his exit.
“Leading Pivotal has been the privilege of my career. Together, we’ve moved beyond the promise of light eVTOL and proved it out in practice,” Karklin said in a statement. “This industry has moved past prototypes and press releases; it’s now operating in the real world, under real constraints, with real consequences for the future of Advanced Air Mobility. As I turn to new endeavors, I do so knowing the foundation we built here will help carry this industry forward.”
Stepping in as interim CEO is Mike Ross, a seasoned aviation leader who joined the company’s board of directors in November 2025. Karklin was not immediately available for additional comments.
This leadership shakeup arrives roughly two years following Pivotal’s launch of sales of Helix, its flagship ultralight personal flying vehicle. The single-occupant aircraft starts at approximately $200,000 and can be operated without a traditional pilot’s license.
“Ken’s leadership over the past four years has been instrumental in bringing Pivotal to where it is today. Our team, our priorities, and our roadmap remain steady through this transition,” Ross said in a statement. “I’ve had the honor of working closely with Ken as a Board member and watching Pivotal’s disciplined approach to safety, engineering, and accessibility deliver on the vision of electric VTOL flight. I look forward to working with the team and guiding the company forward as we bring our fourth-generation Helix aircraft to market.”
Beyond consumer models, Pivotal has dedicated years to engineering the BlackFly aircraft, tailored specifically for first responders and military applications. Just last month, the BlackFly made history by responding to an emergency in North Carolina for the very first time. The firm reported that the aircraft arrived at the scene 20 minutes faster than a standard ambulance dispatched alongside it. To date, the BlackFly has successfully completed over 10,000 flights.
Pivotal stands among several sector pioneers chosen to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, an initiative designed to expand testing for these innovative aircraft nationwide.